Primary conjunctival rhabdomyosarcoma

Conjunctival myxoma: A systematic review of a rare tumor

Conjunctival myxoma is an uncommon benign tumor that may develop as a localized disease or as part of the Carney complex, in which case it can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Conjunctival myxomas can mimic other pure or mixed tumors and are often overlooked in clinical practice. Histopathological studies are essential for diagnosis; however, controversy regarding their pathological and immunohistochemical features makes the diagnostic process more difficult. Because of the importance of correctly classifying these conjunctival tumors, as well as recognizing when a systematic screening is required owing to the possible association with life-threatening diseases, we comprehensively evaluate the literature on this rare entity based on a systematic approach.

Botryoid Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Conjunctiva in a Young Boy

Primary conjunctival rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare entity that can present with or without papillomatous features. A 5-year-old Asian boy was referred for a rapidly growing conjunctival tumor in the superior fornix of the left eye. Surgical excision yielded a 28 mm multilobulated papillomatous specimen that exhibited histopathologic and immunohistochemical features consistent with embryonal (botryoid) RMS. Molecular analysis revealed the absence of the PAX3/FOXO1 fusion gene, indicating favorable prognosis. After surgery, he was promptly treated with systemic chemotherapy and proton beam radiotherapy.

A case of primary botryoid conjunctival rhabdomyosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common childhood primary orbital malignancy, but the occurrence of this tumour in the conjunctiva is rare.

METHODS

A 14-year-old girl presented with a visible case of conjunctival mass in the left eye. The year before, the patient was referred to another hospital for a biopsy of a conjunctival mesenchymal tumour in the same site, which was periodically checked after the excision. We intervened by partially removing the conjunctival mass.

RESULTS

The histopathology revealed a botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy and fractionated radiotherapy. The follow-up after three years revealed that the patient remained clinically tumor-free, with no ocular complication from the radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that by not excising the tumour in its entirety it is therefore possible to preserve the underlying rectus muscles and not interfere with ocular motility. Subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy helped to destroy any residual tumour. Alternatively, surgical excision of the mass alone could lead to recurrence of the tumour after some months or years.

Rhabdomyosarcoma: review for the ophthalmologist

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm that is composed of cells with histopathologic features of striated muscle in various stages of embryogenesis. It can occur in several sites in the body, including the ocular region. Ocular rhabdomyosarcoma is defined as the occurrence of this tumor in the area of the eye. Most ocular rhabdomyosarcomas arise in the soft tissues of the orbit but they can rarely occur in the other ocular adnexal structures and even within the eye. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of rhabdomyosarcoma and a more detailed review of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, with emphasis on changing concepts in the diagnosis and management of this ophthalmic neoplasm.