Rhabdomyosarcoma of the External Ear Canal Treated with Brachytherapy

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. RMS of the ear usually involves the middle ear cavity. Treatment usually involves surgery, multi drug chemotherapy regimen, and high dose external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). We present a case of a 17-month-old Caucasian female with an unusual presentation of RMS localized to her external ear canal only, which was initially believed to be an otitis media. Treatment consisted of a regimen involving brachytherapy as the radiation modality rather than EBRT. The goal of brachytherapy use is to decrease morbidity associated with radiation of the head and vital organs in developing children.