Post-traumatic Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma: An Unfortunate Red Herring

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a relatively rare malignancy but the most common cause of soft tissue sarcoma in children. It can present anywhere in the body, but most seen in the extremities, head, neck and genitourinary organs. The two most common types of RMS are embryonal RMS and the more aggressive kind, the alveolar RMS. Development of RMS occurring after trauma is uncommon but as children are readily prone for lumps and bumps due to their adventurous and playful nature, it is much important to always keep in mind the possibility of malicious causes of swelling as any delay in diagnosis directly affects the outcome of the disease. Here we present an infant who presented with symptoms suggestive of post trauma swelling but later was confirmed as embryonal RMS. The child underwent chemotherapy as the treatment of option.