Rhabdomyosarcoma

Epidemiology

Rhabdomyosarcomas are most commonly seen in the pediatric age group. This malignant neoplasm is also the most common soft tissue tumor in childhood. It accounts for about 50 to 70% of all childhood sarcomas. Approximately 30 to 40% occur in the head and neck. About half of patients present before the age of 5 years. There is no sex predilection.

Clinical Findings

Signs and symptoms depend on the size and location of the lesion. Large tumors often cause trismus as a result of masticator muscle dysfunction or involvement of the temporomandibular joint. Pain may be related to bone erosion or nerve involvement. Physical examination reveals medial displacement of the pharyngeal mucosa. Patients may also present with nasal stuffiness if the tumor extends into the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity. These complaints may be similar to those of a juvenile angiofibroma.