Orbital alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma masked by ethmoid sinusitis in a 25-year-old

Abstract Case report A 25-year-old woman with right subacute sinusitis complained about discomfort in her right eye. Clinical manifestations and computed tomography were suggestive of sub-periosteal orbital ethmoid wall abscess, for which the patient underwent urgent drainage. A solid tumor was found, with a positive biopsy for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Complete remission and resolution of orbital symptoms were achieved with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Discussion Alveolar orbital rhabdomyosarcoma in adults is uncommon. Rhabdomyosarcoma has a high risk of spreading. It can simulate a sinusitis, as in our patient, early diagnosis and early treatment being especially important in these patients.