Unusual outer ear swelling: Childhood auricular rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract

Introduction: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children and makes up 5% of all pediatric malignant tumors. The main head and neck locations are the base of the skull, nasopharynx, nasal cavity and orbit. An outer ear location is considered extremely rare. We present 3 cases of children, aged 6 to 14 years, presenting with auricular RMS.

Case reports: The first child, aged 6, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by surgical resection of the tumor bed, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. The second, aged 14, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by external radiation therapy of the tumor bed and lymph node areas, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. The third, aged 13, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by surgery, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy.

Discussion: In these 3 patients, the treatment program achieved complete disease control. Prognosis was good, thanks to good surgical access. Diagnosis should be considered in case of unusual progressive swelling in the outer ear.

Keywords: Auricle; Child; Outer ear; Rhabdomyosarcoma.