Surgical treatment of hand rhabdomyosarcoma in children: a case report

Primary malignant tumors of the hand are rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. Although rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has a predilection for the head, neck and genitourinary tract, it may arise in any soft tissue of the body. RMS of the hand was first described in literature in the work of Potenza and Winslow in 1961. Of the 4 histological types of the RMS alveolar is the most often found in the extremities. Unfortunately it has the worst prognosis and overall survival rate. Despite disappointing results after extremity involvement early diagnosis and multimodal therapy have markedly improved treatment approach from radical surgical excision and amputation to limb salvage. This approach is of the utmost importance for the child’s psychological development and hand function. From the example given and a review of literature we try to find the most proper treatment for these highly malignant tumors.