Etymed
rhabdomyosarcoma
Definition
A malignant tumor composed of primitive muscle cells that resembles skeletal muscle histologically
Clinical context
A 10-year-old boy presents with a rapidly growing mass in his thigh that has been present for 2 months. Physical examination reveals a firm, painless mass with some fluctuance. Imaging shows a soft tissue mass with areas of necrosis. Biopsy histopathology reveals sheets of primitive cells with rhabdoid cytoplasmic morphology resembling skeletal muscle differentiation.
Mnemonic
Rhabdo = Rods (like skeletal muscle rods) in young patients with soft tissue tumors