Paranasal sinus rhabdomyosarcoma: a rare tumor of poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare sarcoma, in which paranasal sinus locations are exceptional in adults.

METHODS

We report a case of ethmoid metastatic RMS in a 48-year-old patient, discovered in connection with recurrent epistaxis associated with exophthalmia and ophthalmoplegia. The tumor was inoperable and chemotherapy based on adriamycin was initiated. The course was, however, marked by rapid worsening of symptoms and the patient's death.

CONCLUSIONS

Paranasal sinus RMS shows no specific clinical signs, and diagnosis is mainly based on immunohistochemical analysis. The association of surgery and chemo-radiotherapy is the optimal attitude, but surgical resection is often impossible due to local extension. Prognosis in adults is poor.