Botryoid Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Cervix : Case report with review of the literature

Abstract

Botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive malignancy that arises from embryonal rhabdomyoblasts. It is commonly seen in the genital tract of female infants and young children. Due to the young age of affected patients, this malignancy poses a management challenge as the preservation of hormonal, sexual and reproductive function is essential. There is currently no consensus regarding management. However, treatment strategies for these tumours have evolved from radical exenterative surgeries to more conservative management options. We report a case of botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma in an adolescent girl presenting to Kasturba Hospital, in Manipal, India, in August 2007 with botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma of the cervix. She was treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient remained healthy until eight months after the surgery. After acquiring a varicella zoster virus infection, she died due to septic shock and multiple organ failure. Awareness of such an uncommon lesion and its clinical implications is important to avoid misdiagnosis.