Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor

Also known as: AT/RT, ATRT

What is an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor?

An atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, or AT/RT, is a fairly rare aggressive (fast growing) tumor usually diagnosed in young children that forms in the tissues of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord).

What causes atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor?

It appears that the cancer is related to an abnormal gene which may be inherited from parents.

What are the symptoms of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor?

Signs and symptoms depend on the age of the child and where the tumor has formed. They may include:
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • sleepiness
  • troubles with balance or movement
  • headaches
  • unusual face and eye movements
  • larger head size in infants

What are atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor care options?

AT/RT is typically treated like other forms of cancer, with some combination of surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation and radiation therapy.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 09, 2020 11:11 AM

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