Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma - A Mimicker of Squamosal Otitis Media

• Main Authors: Ajay Bhandarkar, Architha Menon, Ranjini Kudva, Kailesh Pujary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences 2020-01-01
• Series: Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
• Subjects: rhabdomyosarcoma; chemotherapy; radiotherapy; acute facial paralysis; pediatric; temporal bone
• Online Access: https://ijorl.mums.ac.ir/article_14270_73506ffde0b198209fa1da2eaa86b66a.pdf

Introduction: Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most frequently occurring intrusive soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric age group. Orbit is the most common location for a pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, but it can occur in the oral cavity, pharynx, face and neck in the descending order of incidence. Rhabdomyosarcoma in the ear is extremely rare.   Case Report: A 5-year-old girl presented to the outpatient department of our tertiary care hospital with complaints of foul smelling, non-blood stained right ear discharge of one-month duration and deviation of angle of mouth to the left side of acute onset. Investigations revealed a diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Multimodal therapy was carried out, and the child was rendered disease-free after two years.   Conclusion: Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck mimics chronic otitis media. Early diagnosis is essential to deliver prompt treatment and prevent locoregional spread and metastasis.