RHABDOMYOSARCOMA OF ORAL CAVITY

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive malignant neoplasm of skeletal muscle origin that represents 50% of all soft tissue sarcomas in childhood, with most cases occurring in the head and neck. These are classified as parameningeal and non-parameningeal forms. These are the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the children, adolescents and young adults. Their etiopathogenesis and its molecular relevance have been emphasized. The first line of treatment is radical excision and this is usually supplemented by radiotherapy. It is believed that adjunct combination chemotherapy may greatly improve the prognosis. Inadequately treated tumors grow in an infiltrative manner and recur in a high percentage of cases. Bone does not constitute an effective barrier to the growth of the tumor and bone invasion is a frequent finding in head and neck rhabdomyosarcomas.