Spindle cell embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma mimicking innocuous lesion – A case report

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) are rare malignant neoplasms that originate from the embryonal cells called rhabdomyoblasts. Hence, they tend to be much more common in children, although rarely occurring in adults. A 19-year-old adult female patient reported with a complaint of painful growth in the lower anterior jaw. The patient gave a history of growth in the lower anterior labial vestibule 2 months ago which was insidious in onset and was first noticed 2 months ago for which patient had visited a private dental hospital where it was excised, records of which were not traceable. The clinical features with radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of spindle cell embryonal RMS (ERMS) which are discussed in this paper in detail. Early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the prognosis of spindle cell ERMS which is a fatal, rapidly proliferating, and malignant neoplasm. A thorough knowledge of the pathognomonic presentation of RMS can aid in differentiating from various innocuous soft tissue growths. Hence, the oral physician plays a key role in prompt diagnosis of such lesions which ensures better prognosis.