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Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma: Clinical and Pathologic Characterization of Seven Cases

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Abstract

Head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma occurs frequently in children and adolescents, and has been well studied in that population. In contrast, it is rare in adults and is not as well characterized clinically and pathologically. Seven cases of adult rhabdomyosarcoma occurring in head and neck were retrieved from the archives of Department of Pathology and Division of Oral Pathology at University of Washington. Radiologic findings and clinical history, as well as pathologic findings from hematoxylin and eosin slides and immunohistochemistry for myogenic markers were reviewed. A total of seven cases of rhabdomyosarcoma (two embryonal, three alveolar and two pleomorphic subtype) were reviewed. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 57 years (median 21 years). Classic and unique histologic features for each subtype, including post-treatment morphologic changes, were identified. Clinical follow-up information was available for 4 patients. 3 of 4 patients experienced recurrence, including two with distant metastasis. One patient died of disease progression 41 months after presentation. Head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma in adults can manifest both classic and unique histologic features for each subtype. In addition, recurrence and distant metastasis were observed, suggesting aggressive clinical behavior regardless of subtype.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific Street, NE, Box 357705, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Eleanor Chen & Robert Ricciotti

  2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, USA

    Neal Futran

  3. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA, 98195-7133, USA

    Dolphine Oda

Authors
  1. Eleanor Chen
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  2. Robert Ricciotti
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  3. Neal Futran
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  4. Dolphine Oda
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Correspondence to Eleanor Chen or Dolphine Oda.

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Chen, E., Ricciotti, R., Futran, N. et al. Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma: Clinical and Pathologic Characterization of Seven Cases. Head and Neck Pathol 11, 321–326 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-016-0771-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-016-0771-0

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