Rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck: Diagnosis and management

Rhabdomyosarcoma represents the most common soft-tissue neoplasm of the head and neck found in children. The tumor is most commonly seen in Caucasian children under the age of 12, usually presenting as a painless mass. Distant metastases are frequently present, especially in regional lymph nodes, lung, and bone marrow. All patients suspected of having this disorder should have a thorough examination of the head and neck, as well as a complete radiographic evaluation of the primary region. Histologic disagnosis should be made as rapidly as possible. Once this has been accomplished, a thorough search for metastatic disease can be undertaken. Therapy must be individualized, and a team approach is advocated. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are discussed. A staging system and a treatment-therapy plan are outlined.