Rhabdomyosarcoma in Nigerian children

A review of eight cases of rhabdomyosarcoma in childhood seen at the Ahmadu Bello University Hospitals in Kaduna and Zaria (Nigeria) over five years is presented. The cases were equally divided between the head region and the urogenital system. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and sarcoma botryoides were the only histologic types seen. Although the clinical presentations were not different from those reported in other series, the correct diagnosis was not suspected clinically in most of the patients, so the institution of rational management was delayed. Certain aspects of the disease and its therapy in this part of the world are discussed.