Recurrent Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Nasopharynx: A case report

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor of skeletal muscle origin. The areas of the body most commonly involved are the head, neck, orbits, genitourinary tract and extremities. Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common histologic variant which commonly affects children between the ages of 0 to 4 years. One subtype of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma is Botryoid Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma which involves the mucosal linings of the nasopharynx, vagina and bladder. The cases where the nasopharynx is involved are mostly reported in children. In this case report the case of a 10 year old boy been presented who was presented to the hospital with right nasal swelling, obstruction, occasional bleeding from the nose and eye involvement. He was first diagnosed as a case of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma before a final diagnosis of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Nasopharynx was made. He was treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. This case report demonstrates the recurrent nature and rare site of origin of the Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Nasopharynx.

 Keywords: Rhabdomyosarcoma, Nasopharynx, Botryoid, Embryonal