Fetal-Type Rhabdomyoma of the Cheek: A Conservative Management

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Pathology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Extracardiac rhabdomyomas are rare benign mesenchymal tumors.
• Surgical excision is the standard treatment for these tumors.
• Conservative management of fetal rhabdomyomas has not been previously reported.

Observation:

• A case of a fetal cheek rhabdomyoma in a 2-month-old boy is presented.
• The tumor was located on the left masseter muscle.
• Surgical removal was not feasible due to the patient's age and tumor size.

Findings:

• The rhabdomyoma showed no signs of spreading or progression over a 36-month follow-up period.
• Conservative management with close monitoring was successful.
• This approach avoided the risks associated with surgery in a young child.

Implications:

• Conservative management may be a viable option for select cases of fetal rhabdomyoma, particularly in the head and neck region.
• This approach can mitigate the risks of surgical complications and long-term sequelae in infants.
• Further research and case studies are warranted to establish conservative management protocols for fetal rhabdomyomas.