Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and temporal bone: An analysis of seven cases in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a common childhood soft tissue sarcoma but rare in the ear and temporal bone region, often mimicking features of chronic suppurative otitis media. Objective: The objective of this analysis is to determine the clinical pattern, stage at presentation, traditional healer intervention, and outcome. Methodology: A retrospective study of patients under the age of 15 years with histological diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and temporal bone, who presented at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, from January 2000 to July 2015. Results: A total of seven patients were seen. Two (28.6%) were male and 5 (71.4%) were female. The age ranged between 3 and 9 years with mean age of 6.7 years. Clinical features mimic that of chronic suppurative otitis media. All were advanced embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Traditional healers performed incision in 3 (42.9%) patients with the aim of draining pus from the swelling. The incision was done with a knife and hot iron. Multimodality treatment was offered: mortality and discharge on parole to source for funds to undergo radiotherapy was recorded in 3 (42.9%) patients, but they never came back for follow-up. Conclusion: Advanced embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and temporal bone were seen in all the patients with clinical presentation mimicking that of chronic suppurative otitis media. Outcome was not favorable because of the advanced tumor stage presentation, dangerous traditional healer intervention, and financial constraints. We recommend creation of patients' awareness and the improvement of the populace socioeconomic status.