Abstract
Objectives: To review clinical features and management options of children with parameningeal rhabdomyosaroma (PM-RMS). Material & Method: Retrospective review of all children diagnosed with PM-RMS from 1991-2003. All patients underwent biopsy or surgical excision for diagnosis. The primary site was the middle ear in 3 cases, nasopharynx in 3, and parapharyngeal space in 1. Results: The main presenting symptoms were hearing loss, snoring or sleep apnea, and neck swelling. Multiagent chemotherapy and radiotherapy were applied in all or some of the patients. Long-term radiotherapy morbidity was seen in 57%(4/7). Two patients had relapses (one died of local failure and the other had complete surgical excision). Conclusion: Otolaryngologists should consider PM-RMS as one of the differential diagnosis of lesions in the head and neck especially in children. These tumors require early detection. appropriate management, and long-term follow-up.