Adult type rhabdomyoma presenting as a parathyroid adenoma

Head Neck. 2019 Feb;41(2):E30-E33. doi: 10.1002/hed.25419. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Abstract

Background: Adult-type rhabdomyoma (ATR) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of skeletal muscle differentiation. Extracardiac ATR occurs most commonly in the head and neck, but do so in a heterogeneous fashion, arising at numerous different locations within this region.

Methods: At our institution, we encountered a patient who was diagnosed clinically with parathyroid adenoma based on signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism and suggestive radiologic findings. A parathyroidectomy with intraoperative consultation was performed.

Results: The frozen section diagnosis was ambiguous and a diagnosis of ATR was only made on permanent section.

Conclusion: Awareness of this tumor can prevent incorrect diagnosis and overtreatment intraoperatively. Herein, we describe the clinical history, pathologic findings, and review histologic features of rhabdomyomas.

Keywords: endocrine; frozen section; histology; parathyroid adenoma; rhabdomyoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Parathyroidectomy
  • Rhabdomyoma / diagnosis*
  • Rhabdomyoma / surgery