Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Uterine Cervix in Adults

Abstract

We report a case of cervical rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult and review of literature. A 44-year-old, premenopausal, white woman, complained of vaginal bleeding for 2 months. The gynecological examination showed a cervical polyp protruding from the vagina. The polyp was partially removed by polypectomy. Pathological examination was diagnostic for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma-botryoid type-of the cervix. Radical class II hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed. Adjuvant multidrug chemotherapy (vincristine, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and etoposide) plus external beam radiotherapy were administered. Forty-six months after diagnosis, the patient is disease free. Here, we report a new case and a literature review of a fairly rare cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma of the cervix in an adult. Pathological features and treatment with an aggressive multimodal approach (radical surgery followed by multidrug adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy) are reported. Good treatment-tolerance and optimal results were achieved. Every effort should be done during both the diagnostic and therapeutic phase to offer these patients the best chance of survival. Further studies on best approach, chemotherapeutic protocols, and outcome in adults are warranted.