Neonatal Rhabdomyosarcoma: About a new observation

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer that develops from so-called "soft" tissue. In neonates, as well as in older children, rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignant soft tissue tumor. Malignant mesenchymal tumors are, after neuroblastoma, the second most common type of cancer in the newborn. Our case is a female neonate, 2nd of 2 siblings, full term, eutrophic, admitted at H4 of life with respiratory distress rated 2/10 according to the silverman score with left choanal atresia. The oral examination revealed several solid pinkish masses and the cervico-facial CT scan showed an oval retro pharyngeal collection associated with infiltration of the superficial and deep left neck and upper mediastinum spaces. The histopathological study found a morphological and immunohistochemical aspect of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma is rare in the neonatal period, it is located mainly in the limbs, genitourinary tract and head and neck region. As was the case with our newborn who presented with an oropharyngeal location. Their diagnosis can be difficult and requires the advice of an expert anatomopathologist. Their management must be multidisciplinary.