Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the scalp: About a case

Abstract

We report the case of a newborn male admitted on the first day of his life with temporo-occipital swelling detected at birth. Clinical examination showed conscious, hemodynamically and respiratory stable, afebrile, vigorous and responsive newborn; craniofacial examination objectified soft, mobile, temporo-occipital mass covered by the scalp measuring 10 cm along its longer left paramedian axis (A). Craniocerebral CT scan showed large heterogeneous left subgaleal parietal-temporal-occipital mass measuring 40/80 mm, suggesting a tumor of soft tissue components of the scalp (B). The newborn underwent surgery which revealed bilobed tumor of the left temporo occipital soft tissue components, without extension to the cranial or the endocranial vault (C). Complete resection of the two masses was performed (D). Anatomo-pathologic study showed histological and immunohistochemical features of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Staging evaluation was unremarkable. No chemotherapy or radiotherapy was proposed to the patient. At 1-year follow-up the child was asymptomatic and ultrasound examination of the surgical site was unremarkable.