Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the auricle in a child

We describe the diagnosis and management of a child with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the auricle and emphasize both clinical and radiological findings of this rare condition. A nine-year-old boy presented for evaluation of a slowly enlarging left auricle mass. The mass was nodular, violaceous, semi-translucent, and hyperpigmented with an overlying pseudo-vesicular plaque. The mass appeared to involve the left cavum concha, root of the helix, superior aspect of the external auditory canal, the tragus and extend to a deep preauricular component. MR imaging documented a lobulated soft tissue mass surrounding the external auditory canal with superficial involvement of the pinna. Incisional biopsy of the mass suggested embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The tumor was completely removed by total auriculectomy and lateral temporal bone resection. The final diagnosis was embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Although rare, otolaryngologists, pediatricians, and radiologists need to consider rhabdomyosarcoma in the differential diagnosis of auricle mass in children.