Case Report on Rhabdomyosarcoma of Middle Ear in A 4 Year Old Child: A Rare Case

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Otolaryngology
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Background:

• Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma, often affecting the head and neck.
• Malignancies in the ear and temporal regions are rare but present diagnostic challenges.
• Chronic otitis media (CSOM) is a common pediatric condition, potentially masking other pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma as a rare but critical differential diagnosis in pediatric CSOM.
• To emphasize the importance of considering rhabdomyosarcoma in non-responsive or worsening ear infections.
• To advocate for prompt histopathologic evaluation in suspicious cases.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 4-year-old boy with a right external auditory canal mass and facial deviation.
• Initial symptomatic treatment for presumed otitis media.
• Referral for persistent purulent discharge, leading to histopathologic diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Main Results:

• The patient was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma after presenting with symptoms mimicking chronic otitis media.
• The tumor manifested as a mass in the external auditory canal with associated facial nerve involvement.
• Histopathologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Rhabdomyosarcoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric chronic otitis media.
• Children with CSOM unresponsive to medical management or showing disease progression warrant further investigation.
• Biopsy is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment initiation in suspected cases.