Cutaneous Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma Presenting as a Nodule on Cheek; A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

We report a case of primary cutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma, solid embryonal type, presenting as a rapidly enlarging nodule on the right cheek of a 7-year-old boy. This lesion had begun as a pea-sized nodule 8 months previously, and, with suspected abscess, had been incised. It recurred 2 months later; at that time, incisional biopsy was consistent with malignant round cell tumor. Wide local excision of the tumor was then completed. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining with desmin and myoglobin confirmed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient underwent radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy and continues to be disease free at 14 months after his wide local excision. Rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as a dermal nodule is rare. It usually presents as an asymptomatic papule without distinctive clinical features and therefore may result in delayed diagnosis unless a biopsy is performed.

KEYWORDS:

• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• cutaneous
• cheek