Adult High-Grade Head and Neck Cutaneous Rhabdomyosarcoma Misdiagnosed
as Low-Grade Atypical Fibroxanthoma on Initial Pathology: A Case Report
and Review of Diagnostic Considerations
Abstract
Background: Adult head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (AHNRMS) is an
exceedingly rare soft-tissue sarcoma. We describe a case of AHNRMS that
was initially misdiagnosed as atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX). Methods: A
61-year-old male with a history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
(cSCC) of left face status post definitive radiation presented with a
history of rapidly enlarging masses on the left face and nose. Patient
had three large, exophytic masses on the left midface with limited local
invasion. Initial pathologic evaluation revealed atypical fibroxanthoma
(AFX). Results: Final histopathological and immunohistochemical
evaluation after surgical resection of the specimen revealed high-grade
cutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma. Patient underwent adjuvant chemoradiation
therapy. Conclusions: Soft-tissue sarcomas have considerable overlap in
histopathologic presentation, and our case highlights the importance of
a thorough immunohistochemical evaluation. This case contributes to the
current limited body of literature on cutaneous AHNRMS as well as
radiation-associated sarcomas of the head and neck (RASHN).