Multimodality imaging of vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma

Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2017 Apr-Jun;27(2):148-151. doi: 10.4103/ijri.IJRI_444_16.

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant mesenchymal tumor arising from the embryonal muscle cells (rhabdomyoblasts), and is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and young adults accounting for 4-6% of all malignancies in this age group. Though rare overall, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignancy arising in the pediatric female genitourinary tract with sarcoma botryoides being the most common variant of the tumor. In young and adolescent individuals, the cervix and uterus are affected; whereas in infants, vaginal lesions are more common. Imaging plays a crucial role not only in the initial diagnosis but also in long-term follow-up of genital RMS. We describe a rare case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the vagina occurring in a 23-year-old female who presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding ever since she was a child.

Keywords: Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma; sarcoma botryoides; vaginal tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports