Fetal rhabdomyoma. A case report with the diagnosis suggested by intraoperative cytology
al Rikabi, A.C.; al Kharfy, T.; al Sohaibani, M.O.; al Samarrai, A.I.
Acta Cytologica 40(4): 786-788
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 8693906 Document Number: 468892
BACKGROUND: Fetal rhabdomyoma is a relatively rare tumor that occurs mainly in the head and neck of toddlers. A similar lesion can occasionally be found in the adult female genital tract. Increased cellularity may be seen in the fetal type and can lead to confusion with the well-differentiated types of rhabdomyosarcoma. CASE: An 8-day-old infant presented with a unilateral, right-sided, postauricular mass. Intraoperative cytology of the mass showed numerous cells with spindled nuclei in a background of myxoid material. A provisional diagnosis of fetal rhabdomyoma was made and subsequently confirmed by histopathologic examination. CONCLUSION: In neonates presenting with cervical swelling, the possibility of fetal rhabdomyoma should always be considered and confirmed by both intraoperative cytology and histopathological examination of the resected tumor.