CCS adapting to COVID-19 realities to support Canadians during and after the pandemic
Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma
The symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma may vary depending on the location of the tumour. Rhabdomyosarcoma can develop in any muscle in the body. The most common sites of rhabdomyosarcoma are:
- the head and neck
- organs of the reproductive system and urinary system
- extremities (arms, legs, hands and feet)
- the muscles of the trunk
The most common sign of rhabdomyosarcoma is a mass or swelling that doesn’t go away and gets bigger over time. It may or may not be painful. Other signs and symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma include:
- a bulging eye
- headaches
- difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
- blood in the urine
- bleeding from the nose, throat, vagina or rectum
Other health conditions can also cause the same symptoms as rhabdomyosarcoma.
Symptoms by location
Rhabdomyosarcoma can develop at any site and can cause different signs and symptoms depending on where the tumour develops. Some common signs and symptoms by location are:
Rhabdomyosarcoma around the eye or in the eyelid can cause:
- a bulging eye
- a drooping eyelid (called ptosis)
- crossed eyes
- a swollen eyelid
- redness or infection around the eye
Rhabdomyosarcoma in the head and neck can cause:
- painless lump or swelling
- one side of the face to look different from the other (called facial asymmetry)
- blurred vision
- swollen face
- stuffy nose
- difficulty breathing
- discharge or bleeding from the nose, throat or ear
- pain in the face
- headaches
- earaches
- nerve paralysis (called palsy) in the face
- hearing loss
Rhabdomyosarcoma in the arms or legs can cause a lump or swelling that can be tender or painful.
Rhabdomyosarcoma in the abdomen or pelvis can cause:
- an enlarged abdomen
- a lump in the abdomen
- pain in the abdomen
- vomiting
- constipation
- bleeding from the rectum
Rhabdomyosarcoma in the bladder or prostate can cause:
- blood in the urine
- difficulty urinating
- pain when urinating
- constipation
Rhabdomyosarcoma around the testicles can cause painless enlargement of the scrotum.
Rhabdomyosarcoma in the vagina or uterus can cause a lump or growth and discharge or bleeding from the vagina.
Rhabdomyosarcoma in the bile ducts can cause yellowing of the eyes or skin (called jaundice).
The group of organs and glands involved with sexual reproduction (having children, or offspring).
In women, the reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb), cervix and vagina. The ovaries make eggs (called ova). The ovaries also make the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
In men, it includes the testicles, prostate and penis. The testicles make sperm. The testicles also make the hormone testosterone.
The group of organs that make, collect, store and pass urine out of the body.
The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
Stories
How can you stop cancer before it starts?

Discover how 16 factors affect your cancer risk and how you can take action with our interactive tool – It’s My Life! Presented in partnership with Desjardins.