Rhabdomyoma of the head and neck: clinicopathologic features of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Extracardiac rhabdomyomas are rare benign tumors of the head and neck. They are frequently misdiagnosed and possibly overtreated when confused with other aggressive tumors.

METHODS: This article reports on the clinicopathologic features of two such tumors affecting adult patients and initially seen as slowly-growing, indolent neoplasms.

RESULTS: The tumors were of fibrous consistency, mobile, with well-demarcated borders and evident lines of cleavage. Both patients were treated by conservative surgery and remained disease-free after prolonged clinical observation. Histologically, both tumors were composed of large eosinophilic cells intermingled with polyhedral clear cells. Both cell types contained abundant glycogen accumulations.

CONCLUSIONS: The differential diagnosis is with granular cell tumor and with sarcomas, the former being easily distinguishable morphologically, and the latter be seen with more rapid growth and adherence to the adjacent tissues. On the basis of the preceding features, rhabdomyomas can be suspected at a preoperative stage and adequately managed with enucleation or simple excision.