Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as conjunctival tumor

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma.
• Conjunctival rhabdomyosarcomas without orbital extension are exceptionally uncommon.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for pediatric cancers.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old girl presented with a focal conjunctival lesion in her right eye.
• Biopsy confirmed the lesion as an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.
• The tumor did not show signs of orbital extension.

Findings:

• The patient received chemotherapy as the sole treatment, following the Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor 95 Study protocol for stage II nonalveolar orbital tumors.
• Six months post-treatment, she remains in complete remission.
• This case represents a rare instance of conjunctival rhabdomyosarcoma managed successfully without orbital involvement.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric ophthalmology.
• Successful chemotherapy alone suggests a favorable prognosis for localized conjunctival rhabdomyosarcomas.
• Further research into the differential diagnosis and long-term outcomes of such rare ocular tumors is warranted.