Eye

Orbit & optic nerve

Rhabdomyosarcoma-orbit



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Last staff update: 29 December 2020

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PubMed Search: Eye rhabdomyosarcoma[title] orbit

Nat Pernick, M.D.
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Cite this page: Pernick N. Rhabdomyosarcoma-orbit. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/eyeorbitrms.html. Accessed March 29th, 2024.
Definition / general
  • Most common orbital sarcoma in childhood
  • Usually embryonal and alveolar subtypes (alveolar more aggressive)
  • Often rapid onset of unilateral proptosis
  • May occur after radiation therapy for retinoblastoma, close to previously irradiated fields
  • Tumors in retinoblastoma patients may have rosette-like structures
  • References: Am J Surg Pathol 1998;22:1351 (postradiation therapy for bilateral retinoblastoma)
Radiology images

AFIP images
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CT shows large tumor of orbital floor invading maxillary sinus

Clinical images

AFIP images
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Botryoid tumor beneath the conjunctiva

Whole mount images

AFIP images
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Large tumor has infiltrated orbit

Microscopic (histologic) description
  • Syncytium of strap cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm
  • Also closely packed small round cells with scanty cytoplasm, coarse nuclear chromatin and increased mitotic activity
  • Many have minimal rhabdomyoblastic differentiation except in occasional mature strap cells with cross striations
  • Alveolar pattern has fibrovascular septa resembling lung alveoli
Microscopic (histologic) images

AFIP images
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Alveolar pattern

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Alveolar spaces contain anaplastic cells

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Alveolar pattern and large anaplastic giant cells

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Rhabdomyoblasts


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Embryonal pattern

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Bundles of spindle
cells with hyperchromatic
nuclei and numerous
mitotic figures

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Cross striations

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Myxoid pattern

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Round and tadpole shaped rhabdomyoblasts

Cytology images

AFIP images
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Long cytoplasmic
processes and atypical
nuclei (inset - muscle
specific actin positive)

Negative stains
  • CD99; Rb in retinoblastoma patients only
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