Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract: 5 years' experience.

OBJECTIVES

To present our single institution experience with 10 cases of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed over 5 years.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the medical records of 10 patients. The initial presenting data as age, complains and staging were analyzed. Surgical interference of all cases was studied. The follow up data regarding survival and recurrences were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 4.3 years (range: 2-12). Six cases (60%) were subjected to "True Cut" biopsy and 4 cases (40%) were subjected to complete surgical excision of the tumor. All cases received chemotherapy. "Vincristine, Actinomycin D, Cyclophosphamide" combination was the most commonly used. Radiation therapy was used in 3 patients (30%) in the form of external beam radiation. The 5-year overall survival of our studied cases were 80%.

CONCLUSION

The recurrence rate of our retrospectively studied 10 cases of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of vagina and cervix was high (70%). However, five-year survival was 80%. Combined modality treatment is essential to improve prognosis.