Embryonal middle ear rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract

Introduction: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm that belongs to a group of soft tissue sarcomas. It mainly affects muscle cells. Its most frequent location are head, neck, pelvis and limbs, in ages between 2 and 6 years.

Objective: To describe an atypical case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the middle ear in a pediatric patient and approach of action.

Clinical case report: This girl was brought to the emergency room by her mother after noticing the presence of itching and a reddish tumor in the left ear of three weeks of evolution. She was admitted and excision was performed. Biopsy of the lesion was done. Later deviation of the corner of her lips appeared. The pathological diagnosis reported rhabdomyosarcoma and she was referred to the pediatric oncology service for specific treatment. After several months of treatment she died of spinal aplasia, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction.

Conclusions: Rhabdomyosarcomas of soft tissues, located in the middle ear, in pediatrics are quite rare, therefore, when treating a patient with a visible tumor in the ear, it is necessary to carry out detailed analysis of the clinical signs and symptoms and the anatomopathological studies to be able to reach to a correct diagnosis.