Rhabdomyosarcoma of Head and Neck in Children.

Objective: Review the clinical presentation, histological subtypes, staging, treatment modalities, and survival rates for non‐orbital pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Method: A retrospective chart review of patients treated from 1996 to 2011 for nonorbital primary head and neck RMS at a pediatric tertiary care center. Baseline demographics, clinical presentation, staging, histology, treatment modalities, and survival outcome were analyzed. Results: Sixteen patients (7 M) were diagnosed with primary head and neck RMS, median age of 6.9 years (range, <1‐19 years). The majority of tumors were of parameningeal location (11/16). Fifty‐six percent (9/16) were metastatic at presentation (stage at diagnosis: 1, n = 1; 2, n = 2; 3, n = 4; 4, n = 9). Nine had skull base erosion and/or cranial nerve deficits. Ten patients had embryonal and sihad alveolar histology. Upfront resection gross resection was feasible in 4 patients (3 of which were non‐parameningeal), all with positive margins. All patients received chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Second look surgery was performed in 2 patients. Conclusion: Most patients presented with advanced disease in our series. Majority were parameningeal, thus limiting the role to biopsy only. Primary excision for non‐paramenigeal RMS is ideal. The role of second look surgery after chemotherapy and radiation is still unknown; however, it was successful in 2 patients in our small review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]