Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Orbit in Children and Young Adults

A study of the clinical and histopathologic features of the highly malignant, embryonal form of rhabdomyosarcoma of the Orbit in 12 children and young adults forms the basis for this report. Although the classical adult type of rhabdomyosarcoma occurs infrequently, the more primitive embryonal form may be the commonest malignant mesenchymal tumor of the orbit in this younger age group. Previous experience has amply demonstrated the poor prognosis for patients with this tumor.1,2It has been the purpose of this study, therefore, to analyze the clinical and histologic findings in the patients of this group to ascertain how earlier and more accurate diagnosis can be effected. A second objective has been to determine whether or not the clinical behavior of these tumors can be correlated with their histologic features. The classical adult form of rhabdomyosarcoma has been recognized for many years as a rare tumor originating in striated muscles