strategy of wide local excision followed by postoperative radiotherapy in adult rhabdomyosarcoma: is it worthwhile?

ABSTRACT

This study was done on 20 patients with adult rhabdomyosarcoma of lower extremities. They were subjected to careful history taking, general and local examination. Investigations were done to confirm the diagnosis and to be sure that there was no distant metastasis. They included biopsy [Tru-Cut, incision and excision], plain X-ray chest, computed tomography [CT] chest, bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] on the tumor area. The preoperative investigations included complete blood picture, liver functions, serum creatinine, blood sugar and ECG. Operation was done in the form of wide local excision [conservative surgery or limb salvage technique]. Radiotherapy was applied at the tumor area after surgery in the form of 6000 rad divided on six doses over six weeks. A long-term follow up for two years was done regarding local recurrence, distant metastasis and other complications