Right-sided cheek mass in a 10-year-old male

• Main Authors: John L. Wilson, Nicolas J. Casellas, Andrew G. Evans, Margo McKenna Benoit
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-03-01
• Series: Otolaryngology Case Reports
• Subjects: Facial mass; Rhabdomyosarcoma; Small round blue cell tumor; Lymphoproliferative disorder; Pediatric otolaryngology
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468548821000084
• ISSN: 2468-5488

Background: Castleman disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder that can present in multiple locations throughout the body. While considered a benign entity, Castleman disease in the pediatric head and neck can resemble other common childhood malignancies. Methods: This report describes a case of Castleman disease in a 10-year-old male who presented with a progressively enlarging facial mass; work-up revealed aggressive histopathological and imaging features concerning for rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient ultimately required surgical resection for definitive diagnosis. Results: The facial mass was successfully resected without complication. A diagnosis of unicentric Castleman disease was made based on final histopathological evaluation of the permanent specimen. The mass has not recurred one year postoperatively. Conclusions: Castleman disease in the head and neck should be included in the differential diagnosis of a pediatric facial mass. Balancing the appropriate degree of diagnostic intervention and treatment is essential in ensuring the best possible outcome with the least morbidity.