Children's Hospital Colorado
CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS

Paratesticular Rhabdomyosarcoma

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What is paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma?

Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a type of soft tissue cancer. Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma affects the soft tissue around the testicles, which are the organs contained in the scrotum that produce sperm. It develops in the muscle surrounding the testicle and the blood vessels that go to the testicle.

RMS can also develop in different areas in the body, such as the:

  • Head and neck
  • Urinary system
  • Reproductive system
  • Arms and legs

What causes paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma?

Most cases of cancer in children, including rhabdomyosarcoma, are sporadic (not inherited). In general, testicular masses don’t have many recognized risk factors. However, some genetic diseases can increase your child’s risk for paratesticular cancer, such as:

Who gets paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma?

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue cancer in children, with about 350 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. The soft tissue around the testicle is one of the most common sites of rhabdomyosarcoma in boys.

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