title: Perinatal management of a neonate with airway obstruction caused by rhabdomyosarcoma of the tongue.
abstract: Intra-oral masses in neonates can seriously compromise the airway, potentially causing hypoxia and death if not recognized and managed appropriately. We report a case in which an intra-oral mass was diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound scan. Preparation for delivery involved a multidisciplinary team approach, with a strategy for management at delivery. The child was delivered by elective Caesarean section and had a patent airway. A tracheostomy was performed immediately after delivery. The infant underwent a debulking procedure 3 weeks after birth. A histological diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was made and a course of chemotherapy commenced. The child had a partial response to treatment with considerable shrinkage of the tongue mass. We discuss the management options in neonates with intra-oral masses to provide an adequate airway and maintain fetal oxygenation. The differential diagnosis of fetal oral masses is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Skelton
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goodwin
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D018233:Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal