A rare case of rhabdomyosarcoma identified in a VRAM flap after lower extremity reconstruction

Abstract

Spindle cell sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (sc-RMS) is an extremely rare soft tissue tumor. We report an unusual case of sc-RMS in a 36-year-old patient whose tumor arose in a rectus abdominis muscle free flap that had been used for lower extremity reconstruction 18 years previously. After surgical excision of the tumor and immediate reconstruction, the patient has remained in remission and has full function of his lower extremity six months after diagnosis and treatment.

A Rare Case of Primary Sarcoma Arising Within Free Muscle Transfer

“…The following case highlights a sinister presentation of a rhabdomyosarcoma following a complex lower limb reconstruction. To our knowledge, only one other case report exists in the literature demonstrating a similar tumour within a muscle flap [3]. Our case report highlights how this rare tumour may present, particularly within the context of a complex postoperative course, other variables and more likely diagnoses.…”

“…To our knowledge, only one other case report exists in the literature demonstrating a similar tumor within a muscle flap. 3 Our case report highlights how this rare tumor may present, particularly within the context of a complex postoperative course, other variables, and more likely diagnoses. It hence emphasizes this crucial but rare differential diagnosis.…”