Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Nasal Cavity: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a high-grade malignant neoplasm with skeletal muscle differentiation; a common soft tissue sarcoma in children but considered one of the rarest in adults. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of 35-year-old male with a chronic productive cough and haemoptysis for five days. A CT scan of the nasopharynx revealed a blocked left maxillary and ethmoid sinus with bone destruction. These findings raised a suspicion of a tumour, and trans-nasal endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. DISCUSSION: Nasal rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare adult malignant tumour. Most patients have lymphatic metastasis or skull base tumour infiltration at the time of the initial diagnosis and treatment, which poses a challenge to the diagnosis and management. CONCLUSION: Nasal acinar rhabdomyosarcoma, one of the histopathological types of rhabdomyosarcoma, has rapid disease progression and high mortality. Therefore, the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy to work together to achieve the best care for the patient. LEARNING POINTS: Nasal acinar rhabdomyosarcoma, one of the histopathological types of rhabdomyosarcoma, has rapid disease progression and high mortality. The survival rate of many adult patients with rhabdomyosarcoma is two years or less. The delay in diagnosis and treatment worsens the already low five-year survival rates in adults.