RHABDOMYOMA OF THE ORBIT IN A CHILD

PURPOSE: To study a case oi rhabdomyoma of the orbit in a 16-month-old boy. METHOD: The child had progressive right proptosis for 1 month. H e underwent a computed tomographic scan, which showed an irregular rig ht retrobulbar mass and partial resection. RESULTS: Histologic examina tion disclosed well-differentiated striated muscle cells with a mixtur e of collagen fibers and immature striated muscle cells with centrally placed nuclei. The specimen lacked nuclear atypia, indicating benign rhabdomyoma of the orbit, During the 1 1/2-year followup, the patient: Bid not receive additional treatment, and no regrowth occurred. CONCL USION: Rhabdomyoma can occur in the orbit of a child. Because of diffe rences in treatment, rhabdomyoma must be distinguished from rhabdomyos arcoma.