Rhabdomyosarcoma starts in the cells of the body's skeletal muscles. These are the muscles that we can control, such as those in our limbs, necks, and faces. When certain DNA mutations occur, it causes an overproduction of cells that build up and form a tumor in the skeletal muscles. Different types of rhabdomyosarcoma develop in different places, but it most commonly affects the head, neck, arms, legs, abdomen, genitals, and urinary organs. These tumors usually cause a lump that grows and may become painful, but, depending on what area is affected, rhabdomyosarcoma can affect the body in a variety of ways, including bleeding from the affected area. If tumors are not treated, they continue to grow and may create other complications throughout the body.
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