Pediatric sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma: three cases and a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the clinical presentation, management, and natural history of paranasal rhabdomyosarcoma.


METHODS
Retrospective case series review.


METHODS
Retrospective medical record review of patients less than 20 years of age who presented to our facility with rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses.


RESULTS
Medical records of all pediatric patients seen in our pediatric otolaryngology clinic were reviewed from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2000. Three patients were identified with sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma. Their presentation, evaluation, and treatment were evaluated. Relevant literature 1966 to the present was reviewed with the assistance of Medline.


CONCLUSIONS
Rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive pediatric malignancy, requiring a high index of suspicion to detect it in its earliest stages. Patients with suggestive symptoms should undergo a full evaluation including nasal endoscopy and imaging. Because the current chemotherapy protocols are more effective on localized disease, early diagnosis is crucial to patient survival.
Herrmann
Brian W
BW
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University, School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110-1077, USA. herrmannb@msnotes.wustl.edu
Sotelo-Avila
Cirilo
C
Eisenbeis
John F
JF
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D012208:Rhabdomyosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy