Lymphography in childhood rhabdomyosarcomas

Forty-one children with subdiaphragmatic rhabdomyosarcoma underwent bipedal lymphography. Twenty-two (53.5%) of the lymphograms were interpreted as being positive. In our series, the lower limbs were the most common primary site of involvement, were more frequently involved by the alveolar histologic subtype which carries a poor prognosis, and were associated with a higher incidence of lymph node metastases. Positive lymphographic findings in this group of children were similar to those seen in both adults and children with other solid tumors, i.e., the presence of discrete lymph node filling defects. However, in 3 cases, abnormalities more characteristic of lymphoma were identified. Evaluation of lymph node metastases as demonstrated by lymphography has prognostic significance.