Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck in an adult

Failed organ preservation strategy for adult laryngeal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma

“…Only the 3 patients who underwent surgical resection were alive at most recent follow up, although the authors did not discuss this finding [3]. One recent group of authors has advocated more aggressive surgical intervention in adult embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas of the head and neck [4], while other authors indicate a trend toward organ preservation in a younger population [6]. Finally, other authors feel the paucity of literature does not justify aggressive treatment [9].…”

“…While it is extremely rare to find this tumor in adults, involvement of the larynx has been described in an even more limited fashion, which leads to difficulty in management decisions. Multi-modality therapy including wide local excision is generally advocated given the recurrent nature of these lesions [3,4]. Some authors note that micrometastasis is presumed given the high rate of failure with surgery alone [3], while other authors note an overall less aggressive course and excellent response by these lesions to surgery alone [5].…”

Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Tongue in Adults

“…However, in adults, it is a rare tumor, that accounts for only 1% of all malignancies and 2–4% of all soft tissue sarcomas, which are more commonly found in the extremities. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The head and neck RMS can be classified into three subtypes based on their location: parameningeal (nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, mastoid area, and infratemporal fossa), non-parameningeal (oral cavity, oropharynx, face, cheek, parotid region, and soft tissues of the neck), and orbital.…”