Small bowel metastasis from embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the extremity – a case report

Keywords: rhabdomyosarcoma, metastasis, adolescent, embryonal

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumour in children and adolescents, but extremely rare in adults with comparatively worse outcomes. Metastatic disease is not uncommon, but intra-abdominal metastases are exceedingly rare. We report an unusual case of ileal metastases from an upper extremity rhabdomyosarcoma in a 17-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain during a routine follow-up visit. Laparotomy and ileocecectomy for a perforated ileal mass confirmed metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with 1 out of 14 positive lymph node metastases. This case demonstrates that, although rare, intra-abdominal metastases should be considered when patients with a rhabdomyosarcoma present with abdominal complaints.

Author Biographies

P Joubert, New Somerset Hospital

Department of Surgery, New Somerset Hospital, South Africa

M Mihalik, Groote Schuur Hospital

Department of General Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa

Published
2023-10-17
How to Cite
Joubert, P., & Mihalik, M. (2023). Small bowel metastasis from embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the extremity – a case report. South African Journal of Surgery, 61(4), 48-50. Retrieved from http://sajs.redbricklibrary.co.za/index.php/sajs/article/view/4120
Section
Case Reports