Pediatric sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma: Three cases and a review of the literature

Objective: To understand the clinical presentation, management, and natural history of paranasal rhabdomyosarcoma. Design: 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.