Rhabdomyosarcoma of the soft palate: a diagnostic challenge

• Main Authors: Inês Palma Delgado, Isabel Correia, Margarida Boavida, Rui Cabral, Pedro Montalvão, Miguel Magalhães
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centro Hospitalar do Porto 2017-11-01
• Series: Nascer e Crescer
• Subjects: Cirurgia; Crianças; Diagnóstico; Palato mole; Rabdomiossarcoma; Sarcoma
• Online Access: http://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/9874
• ISSN: 0872-0754; 2183-9417

Introduction: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) accounts for 50% of all soft tissue sarcomas in children. 10-30% of head and neck RMS have their origin in intraoral and pharyngeal structures. When these lesions grow rapidly reaching a large dimensions they may cause potencially serious symptoms. Case Report: A ten-years-old boy presented in Otorynolaryngology emergency department with a fast growing large soft palate lesion, causing dyspneia and dysphagia (previously treated as an inflammatory lesion). He was submitted to a partial excision of the lesion and histologic exam revealed rhabdomyoma. After three months a new fast growth of the lesion was seen. A new excisional biopsy was performed and the extemporaneous pathological examination was compatible with a benign lesion. Definitive diagnosis was rhabdomyosarcoma. Discussion/Conclusion: The authors illustrate that the diagnosis of RMS can be a challenge and emphasizes the importance of urgent reference and multidisciplinar approach in children with any fast growing lesion.