Unveiling the Uncommon: A Case of Parietal Rhabdomyosarcoma in a 60-year-old Woman

Abstract

Malignant mesenchymal tumours are rare, aggressive neoplasms originating from mesenchymal tissues. These tumours are characterised by a high metastatic potential and pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Mesenchymal tumours are of interest to oncologists because of their comparatively low occurrence, especially those with a high proliferation index. Authors report a case of a 60-year-old female who presented to the tertiary care rural hospital with persistent headaches, dizziness, and respiratory distress. Imaging studies revealed a heterogeneously enhancing soft-tissue density lesion in the right parietal region with extensive metastasis to both lungs. Histopathological analysis of the parietal lesion indicated features suspicious of a high-grade malignant tumour of muscular origin. Immunohistochemistry results were conclusive for Rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient was treated with radiation therapy for the primary tumour site and systemic chemotherapy, including doxorubicin and ifosfamide, for the metastasis. This case highlights the aggressive nature of malignant mesenchymal tumours and the complexities involved in their management. The high Ki-67 index and extensive metastasis indicate a poor prognosis. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for symptom management and improving quality of life. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment strategy are essential for managing these challenging cases. Patients with such tumours typically have a bad prognosis since they have a significant chance of the tumour spreading to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, and bones. This case report aims to highlight the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and therapeutic challenges associated with this aggressive tumour type, contributing to the limited but growing body of literature on rhabdomyosarcoma.

Keywords

• chemotherapy
• malignant mesenchymal tumour
• metastasis
• immunohistochemistry
• multidisciplinary approach
• radiation therapy