Exceptional case of a hemangioma-like rabdomyosarcoma in the hand's palm

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor in children that might mimic a benign tumor, such as infantile hemangioma, particularly when detected early. Although rhabdomyosarcoma rarely occurs in the hand, its prognosis is generally poor, and successful treatment relies on a complete and radical surgical excision. We present a case of rhabdomyosarcoma located in the palm of an infant's hand, initially presenting clinical and radiological features suggestive of a vascular tumor. The resection of this mass was radical, and histological analysis and immunohistochemistry returned in favor of embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma. In similar cases recorded in the literature, the diagnosis may be first mistaken for that of a hemangioma, then confirmed by histology. This underlines the importance of a systematic anatomopathological examination of all tissues removed surgically.