Massive Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Hand in an Infant With Metastasis at Birth: Management Dilemma

Abstract

Background: Rhabdomyosarcomas are malignant tumors arising from striated muscle but can be often confused with primitive neuroectodermal tumors and Ewing sarcoma. They are often classified based on age of presentation and histological features. Three major types of rhabdomyosarcomas are embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic with characteristic presentations. Method: Here, we present a case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in the hand of a 5-month-old child with lymphatic metastasis, the age, site, and metastasis being unusual feature for this type of rhabdomyosarcoma. Result: The child succumbed to the complications soon after initiation of chemotherapy. Conclusion: Age, site, metastasis at birth and treatment related complications contribute to the poor outcome.