Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare and aggressive form of mesenchymal tumor that arises from skeletal muscle cells. Although it is predominantly seen in children, it can also affect adults. RMS typically presents as a rapidly growing mass in the head and neck region, genitourinary tract, or extremities. Among these sites, cervical RMS is exceedingly rare and has only been reported in a handful of cases.

In this report, we present a case of cervical RMS in a 30-year-old woman who was diagnosed and treated at the Salah Azaiez Institute.

 

We describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, histopathological characteristics, and treatment modalities used in this patient's management. Additionally, we provide a review of the existing literature on cervical RMS to highlight the rarity of this entity and the challenges in its diagnosis and management.

A 30-year-old woman, with no pathological past history, presented suddenly a cervical polyp with no other symptoms.

On the gynecological examination there was a polypoid mass, measuring 3 cm, developed in the lower lip of the cervix.

A surgery consisting of the cervical polyp removal, was performed, showing at macroscopy several polypoid fragments measuring up to 1.5 cm, microscopically non characterizable. Gynecologists opted for a conization. Definitive histology concluded to an embryonic RMS with spindle cells (desmin+, myogenin+) of the uterine cervix with microscopically involved margins, resulting of the amputation of the whole cervix.

The pelvic MRI showed no residual mass. The PET-CT didn’t find any hypermetabolic site.

The tumor was classified IA IRSG (Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group) favorable group, (T1a according to the TNM classification) which corresponds to the low risk of recurrence subgroup.

Multidisciplinary reunion decided to treat with adjuvant chemotherapy based on 4 cycles of Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide and did not retain the indication of post-operative radiation therapy.

Given the rarity of RMS in adults and the absence of standardized protocols for managing these tumors, a multidisciplinary decision is essential and case reports remain highly relevant.