Management of a pure uterine corpus rhabdomyosarcoma in a postmenopausal patient: A rare case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract often involves the vagina and cervix. It usually occurs in infants and children. Such tumors are uncommon in the uterus, especially in adults. Treatment options are based on studies of younger individuals. Abstract Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm with a tendency to differentiate into skeletal muscle cells. RMS is an aggressive tumor that tends to develop in children and younger patients. A vast majority of genital tract RMSs occur in the vagina and cervix. Such tumors rarely occur in adults. Usually, these tumors either occur as a component of a biphasic uterine tumor (carcinosarcoma or adenosarcoma) or can be a pure heterologous tumor. Pure uterine RMSs are extremely rare in adult patients and difficult to diagnose. Accurate diagnosis of these tumors depends on precise histopathological evaluation. The present report describes a rare case of embryonal RMS of the uterus in a postmenopausal female and explores the most recent literature. The aim is to strengthen the existing literature and aid clinicians in the management of similar cases. A 64‐year‐old postmenopausal female presented with a history of abdominal pain associated with abdominal distension, per vaginal bleeding, and foul‐smelling discharge for 6 months. A transabdominal ultrasound revealed a bulky uterus with a well‐circumscribed heterogeneous lesion. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of high‐grade embryonal RMS within the corpus region of the uterus. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent relapse of the disease. Six months after oncological care has passed, the patient remains symptoms‐free without evidence of recurrence or metastasis.

Keywords

• management
• postmenopausal
• primary
• pure
• rhabdomyosarcoma
• uterine corpus