Discussion and Conclusion
RMS is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood and comprises
3.5% of childhood cancers seen in the 0–14 y age group (Panda et al.,
2017 May). RMS can affect any part of the body; however, the most common
primary sites are the head and neck region, 36%, genitourinary tract
23%, extremities 19%, and others 22% (Panda et al., 2017 May). RMS is
histologically classified into three subtypes; embryonal, alveolar, and
polymorphic type. The most common subtype is embryonic, which makes up
70-80 % of cases (Panda et al., 2017 May). We report a large embryonal
RMS of the bladder in a two-year-old male, which was managed by partial
surgical excision of the bladder with bilateral ureterostomy (Fig.4).
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder/prostate symptoms are gross hematuria,
difficulty in voiding, urinary retention, or urgency (Wu, 2013 Mar). Our
patient only presented with gross hematuria and urinary frequency;
routinely found in both Wilms tumor and RMS. The initial diagnosis for
patients with suspected rhabdomyosarcoma should include a CT scan or MRI
scan of the tumor (Kim JR, 2017 Aug). In our case, a CT with a bladder
contrast scan demonstrated a rounded; measuring ~ 6 x 7
cm in diameter, situated in the trigone region of the bladder adhered to
the posterior wall of the bladder, which was projected towards the lumen
with no distant metastasis (Fig.2). Since neither area of calcification
or fat density regions, thrombus in the renal veins nor involvement of
regional lymph nodes were found; indicating more to findings of Wilms
tumor on a CT scan (Astuti et al., 2012 Feb 5), RMS was highly
suspected. Prior studies have found that 27.5% of distant metastatic
cases were significantly associated with unfavorable primary tumor site
and tumor size (Kim JR, 2017 Aug); however, our case included an
unfavorable site and a tumor larger than 5 cm but no distant metastases
(Fig.5). A transurethral endoscopy and an open incisional biopsy were
performed (Fig.3); which were the most appropriate procedures in our
case since the patient was young, and his tumor was large (Schalow &
Broecker, 2003 Jul). In contrary to a previous study that has proven
that completeness of tumor resection risk of failure increased by 63%
for small children with large tumors (Rodeberg et al., 2011 Jun 1), the
pathological study in our case indicated tumor-free surgical margins and
no signs of vascular/lymphatic invasion. According to the CT scan
images, pathological study, and intergroup rhabdomyosarcoma study group,
the tumor was at stage 3 (Fig.2, Fig.5) (Panda et al., 2017 May).
Immunohistochemical studies of RMS showed positive nuclear staining with
antibodies to MyoD1 and/or Myogenin, compared to non-RMS pediatric
tumors (Sebire & Malone, 2003 Jun). In cases with differentiated tumor
cells, the positive nuclear expression of Myogenin was stronger than
MyoD1 (Sebire & Malone, 2003 Jun). Considering this, nuclear Myogenin
and Actin staining were used in our patient, where specimens
demonstrated the positive nuclear expression of Myogenin and Actin with
skeletal muscle differentiation, leading to the definite diagnosis of
RMS. The latest recommendation on the management of RMS involves
surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy (Schalow & Broecker, 2003 Jul).
In contrast to the literature, our patient subsequently underwent an
open surgery using a Pfannenstiel incision, where a partial cystectomy
of the bladder with the preservation of the bladder triangle and the
conduction of bilateral ureterostomy was performed (Fig.4). Stents were
also bilaterally inserted in the ureters using a catheter in order to
prevent potential stenosis. Due to therapeutic challenges (lack of
access to the chemotherapy centers, the patient’s family decision, and
the worsened symptoms of the patient), the chemotherapy could not be
conducted. As a palliative treatment, the surgery was the only treatment
of choice for this patient, considering the clear margins and no distant
metastasis. In this case, an excisional biopsy was done and confirmed
the final diagnosis of multifocal embryonal RMS (Fig.5). The patient’s
condition was good with no major complaints. Although the surgery was
successful with no significant complications, the patient died five
months later. The etiology is not clearly known, it is suggested to be a
result of delayed diagnosis and conduction of chemotherapy, advanced
tumor stage, invasion of the bladder muscles, and patient age. In
conclusion, whilst the RMS of the bladder is rare in children, it should
be considered as a DDx in case of soft tissue masses with gross
hematuria. Early diagnosis and treatment could improve the quality of
life and the survival rate of the patients. The management could be more
difficult in the case of fragile health systems.