because the children of today all deserve a tomorrow
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On reading this page, the chances are that your child may already have had a number of the following investigations to receive the diagnosis of a malignant rhabdoid tumour.
These investigations may have included:
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An ultrasound scan
What investigations may my child need?
Go back to: Rhabdoid tumours, a new diagnosis (links to other resources)
New diagnosis of a malignant rhabdoid tumour
New diagnosis of an extra renal rhabdoid tumour
New diagnosis of an atypical teratoid / rhabdoid tumour
Go to:
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A CT (computed tomography) and / or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan or both – usually including the abdomen (tummy), chest and head.
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Your child will also need a range of
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blood tests
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ECG (electrocardiogram) or heart tracing
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Cardiac echo - an ultrasound of the heart looking at how it looks and functions
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A biopsy of the tumour or the tumour may have been removed during surgery and the diagnosis of a rhabdoid tumour made after surgery
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Bone scan in some children – bone metastases (tumour spread) is relatively rare in children with malignant rhabdoid tumours, so it remains unclear whether all children should receive this at diagnosis.
Central Venous Access Devices
Following a diagnosis of cancer, children are fitted with a form of vascular access. This means that your child will be able to have blood tests taken easily and have most of their medications through this (including chemotherapy) reducing the trauma of frequent attempts to get vascular access.
Central venous catheters (Hickman line or 'wiggly')
These are silicone tubes that are inserted whilst your child is under anaesthetic. They are designed to give permanent venous access for your child, so are inserted into a large vein in the neck and then tunneled under the skin to come out near the nipple.
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When your child wakes, they will have two small incisions, one in the neck to access the vein, and the other near their nipple.
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Once in, the line means your child will be free of the trauma of repeated attempts to get in cannulas and blood tests. Most chemotherapy drugs can be given through them too, making treatment much less distressing for your child.
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Although this sounds daunting, your child will soon adapt to their "wigglies." Many children like their lines because they mean they stop needing repeated blood tests and cannulas.
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Vascular Ports
This is a device that is placed under your child's skin and the catheter is threaded into a large vein. The port gives easy and reliable access to your child's bloodstream and sits just below the skin. Your child will wake with two small incisions: one by the port site and the other in the neck where it was inserted into the vein.
Lines and ports both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Dependent on your child's age, size and diagnosis, one may be more suitable than another - your child's team will guide you as to which may be best for your child.
To be accessed, a special needle is inserted and the entire area covered with a dressing to prevent infection. Ports are not suitable for all children, especially small babies as they need enough space for insertion.
