Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare tumour in the middle ear and
mastoid cavity in children and the diagnosis is difficult.
Repeated histological examination may be essential to
confirm the diagnosis. We report a 6 year old boy with a left
aural polyp, otorrhoea and facial nerve palsy who was
initially thought to have otitis media and mastoiditis. He had
polypectomy and the tissue taken for histopathology
suggested an inflammatory condition. Subsequently he had
mastoidectomy. Tissue taken during mastoidectomy was
however reported as rhabdomyosarcoma. The child
developed a cerebral abscess and eventually succumbed. A
literature review of the disease, radiological findings,
immunohistochemical features and treatment options is
described.
Rhabdomyosarcoma