Polypectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in a patient with sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix – case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a form of a polyp of the uterine cervix occurs mainly in young women in their second decade of life. The characteristic microscopic features are: the submucosal cambium layer and the presence of rhabdomyoblasts in the stroma. So far the treatment has not been well defined and ranges from conservative to radical surgery. Case: The presented case is a 22-year old woman with cervical polyp. Polypectomy with D&C was performed in 2005 and the microscopic examination revealed rhabdomyosarcoma botryoides. Detailed examination diagnosed stage Ia of the disease. The patient received 6 cycles of chemotherapy (Vincristine and Actinomycin). Conclusion: Conservative treatment may be considered in young women with favorable prognostic factors who wish to preserve their fertility. Polypectomy followed by chemotherapy is a possible option for such patients.