Clinicopathological analysis of 10 cases of primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear

Objective To analyze the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features in primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and to present its histopathological diagnosis criteria. Methods H-E and immunohistochemical staining were performed in 10 cases of primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and the expression status of Vimentin, Myoglobin, Desmin and smooth muscle actin (SMA) were assessed. Results Eight male and 2 female with the mean age of 8.6 years were enrolled. Of these 10 cases, 9 were embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and 1 was botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma. Ten were positive for Vimentin and Myoglobin, 7 for Desmin and 8 for SMA. Conclusion There is no specific clinical signs for primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear. It is difficult to make a accurate diagnosis for this tumor. Combined investigation of the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of this tumor is recommended in order to facilitate the diagnosis.