Primary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of breast in a 13 year old female with cardiopulmonary metastases and cytohistological correlation: A case report

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the commonest soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. The tumour commonly occurs in the body regions of the head and neck, genitourinary and extremities. Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the breast is extremely rare and present diagnostic challenges especially in resource limited centers. It is an aggressive tumour with a poor prognosis especially when diagnosed late. Case presentation: We present a case of 13 year old female with primary rhabdomyosarcoma of breast metastasized to regional axillary lymph nodes, lung and heart. The patient failed to respond to chemotherapy mainly due diagnostic challenges and succumbed to the disease. Conclusion: Breast masses in young patients should be diagnosed early and accurately, and optimal treatment promptly instituted. The incidence of primary rhabdomyosarcoma of breast is increasing in teenagers, and the tumour has a bad prognosis especially in late stage. We think this case will add knowledge and skills required in histological and cytological diagnosis of breast rhabdomyosarcoma.