Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Mandible

Abstract

Objectives: 1] To describe a case of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as a radiolucent mandibular mass in a 3-year-old child. 2] To review existing literature on the clinical picture and pathophysiology of intraosseous rhabdomyosarcoma. 3] To identify learning points in the diagnosis of intraosseous rhabdomyosarcoma.
 
 Design: Case report.
 
 Setting: A tertiary referral hospital.
 
 Patients: One (1)
 
 Results: A case of a 3-year-old child with a radiolucent mandibular mass is described. The final histopathologic report turned out to be embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Intraosseous rhabdomyosarcomas are rare occurrences (3.5% in one review), and clinically present in younger age groups, with a non-tender, enlarging, firm-hard mass over a specific area. A review of the available literature on intraosseous rhabdomyosarcomas, and its proposed pathogenesis, is presented.
 
 Conclusion: A case of a radiolucent mandibular mass in a 3-year-old child is presented. Intraosseous rhabdomyosarcomas of the mandible are rare occurrences that pose challenges to the otorhinolaryngologist. Taken separately, the presentation, patient characteristics, clinical course, ancillary laboratories and imaging modalities may lead even the most astute otorhinolaryngologist astray. The whole clinical picture should be taken together so that the correct diagnosis will not be missed despite the rare presentation.
 
 Keywords: embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, intraosseous rhabdomyosarcoma, mandibular mass
 
 
 
 

Retromolar Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Case Report

“…The clinical presentation varies with the anatomic site, usually presenting in less than a year as a painless, rapidly growing mass. 4,5 In this case, there was a painless mass, presenting 6 months before the patient came to the surgical oncology clinic, and growing rapidly.…”

“…The incidence is lower in Asian populations and even lower in African-American than that of the white populations of Western countries. 2,4 Rhabdomyosarcomas are classified histologically into embryonal, alveolar, botryoid, and pleomorphic. It occurs in three regions were head and neck, genitourinary, and upper and lower extremities.…”

“…3 The clinical presentation varies with the anatomic site, usually presenting as painless and rapidly growing mass. 4,5 They are classified histologically to embryonal, alveolar, botryoid, and pleomorphic. It tends to occur in three regions were the head and neck, upper and lower extremities, and genitourinary tract.…”