The dental effects of head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma treatment: a case series

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant soft tissue neoplasm of skeletal muscle origin. Approximately 40% of cases of RMS are sited in the head and neck region and nearly 65% of cases are diagnosed in children less than six years of age. Treatment for RMS involves a multimodality approach including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. When children are exposed to such treatments there are often associated long-term adverse effect which may affect the patients' dento-alveolar growth and development. Three cases are described highlighting these adverse effects and the treatments used for oral rehabilitation. CPD/Clinical Relevance: To inform readers of the long-term effects of rhabdomyosarcoma treatment on the dento-alveolar development.