Rhabdomyosarcoma of the mandible in a 6-year-old boy

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive malignant tumour composed of neoplastic mesenchymal cells that infiltrate surrounding tissue structures, making their precise site of origin unclear. Although rare, this is highly aggressive and the most common soft-tissue neoplasm of the head and neck in children. Regrettably by the time most cases are initially seen, the patients already have large tumours, due to rapid tumour growth and delayed medical consultation.

This report describes a 6-year-old presenting with just such symptoms of facial swelling and pain but elicitation of further information and findings, including tooth mobility of 3 days duration, led to prompt referral and early treatment of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

General dental practitioners are frequently presented with a child with a swollen face and pain. Experience would suggest a dental abscess to be the most likely cause with treatment as appropriate. However, all swellings in children, should be thoroughly investigated and reviewed as particularly in this age group, tumour growth is rapid while early diagnosis allows successful treatment with multimodality therapy.