A pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma mimicking an inguinal hernia: a case report and review of the literature

Case Rep Oncol. 2012 Jan;5(1):74-9. doi: 10.1159/000336158. Epub 2012 Feb 4.

Abstract

A 59-year-old male presented with a painful right inguinal swelling and deep vein thrombosis at the ipsilateral leg. An inguinal hernia was initially diagnosed, but during surgery a large mass was found anteriorly to the peritoneal sheaths. Histology revealed a high-grade pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. The mass advanced rapidly, occupying the whole right iliac fossa and metastasizing to the lung. Despite first- and second-line chemotherapy, the patient deteriorated rapidly and died. Rhabdomyosarcomas should be managed in specialized centres as they have prognostic factors and histologic features still controversial and poorly clarified.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Inguinal tumour; Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports