Rhabdomyoma
Encyclopedia
A rhabdomyoma is a benign
tumor
of striated muscle
. Rhabdomyomas may be either "cardiac" or "extracardiac" (occurring outside of the heart). Extracardiac forms of rhabdomyoma are subclassified into three distinct types: (1) Adult type, (2) Fetal type, and (3) Genital type.
Cardiac rhabdomyomas are the most common primary tumor of the heart in infants and children. It has an association with tuberous sclerosis
. In those with tuberous sclerosis, the tumor may regress and disappear completely, or remain consistent in size.
It is most commonly associated with the tongue
and heart
, but can also occur in other locations.
Malignant
skeletal muscle tumors are referred to as rhabdomyosarcoma
. Only rare cases of possible malignant change have been reported in fetal rhabdomyoma.
Benign
A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks the ability to metastasize. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.The term "benign" implies a mild and nonprogressive disease. Indeed, many kinds of benign tumors are harmless to human health...
tumor
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
of striated muscle
Striated muscle
Striated muscle tissue is a form of fibers that are combined into parallel fibers. More specifically, it can refer to:* Cardiac muscle .* Skeletal muscle* Branchiomeric muscles...
. Rhabdomyomas may be either "cardiac" or "extracardiac" (occurring outside of the heart). Extracardiac forms of rhabdomyoma are subclassified into three distinct types: (1) Adult type, (2) Fetal type, and (3) Genital type.
Cardiac rhabdomyomas are the most common primary tumor of the heart in infants and children. It has an association with tuberous sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis or tuberous sclerosis complex is a rare multi-system genetic disease that causes non-malignant tumors to grow in the brain and on other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. A combination of symptoms may include seizures, developmental delay, behavioral...
. In those with tuberous sclerosis, the tumor may regress and disappear completely, or remain consistent in size.
It is most commonly associated with the tongue
Tongue
The tongue is a muscular hydrostat on the floors of the mouths of most vertebrates which manipulates food for mastication. It is the primary organ of taste , as much of the upper surface of the tongue is covered in papillae and taste buds. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva, and is richly...
and heart
Heart
The heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions...
, but can also occur in other locations.
Malignant
Malignant
Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis...
skeletal muscle tumors are referred to as rhabdomyosarcoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma
A rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of cancer, specifically a sarcoma , in which the cancer cells are thought to arise from skeletal muscle progenitors. It can also be found attached to muscle tissue, wrapped around intestines, or in any anatomic location...
. Only rare cases of possible malignant change have been reported in fetal rhabdomyoma.
External links
- humpath #4562 (Pathology images)
- Overview
- Swedish National Board of Health
- Image in fetus
