Rhabdomyomas Clinical Presentation

Updated: May 09, 2022
  • Author: Karl J D'Silva, MD; Chief Editor: Mary C Mancini, MD, PhD, MMM  more...
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Presentation

History

The presenting history depends in part on the age and sex of the patient, as follows:

  • Patients with adult rhabdomyoma give a history of having a mass in the region of the neck; they might experience some hoarseness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or a combination
  • Patients with fetal rhabdomyoma may have a history of subcutaneous head and neck masses
  • Patients with genital rhabdomyoma are young or middle-aged women who might present with a complaint of dyspareunia
  • Patients with cardiac rhabdomyoma may present with a history of shortness of breath, sometimes associated with signs and symptoms suggestive of cerebral palsy (suggesting the possibility of associated tuberous sclerosis)
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Physical Examination

The physical examination of a patient with adult rhabdomyoma probably reveals the presence of a round or polypoid mass in the region of the neck.

Examination of the patient with fetal rhabdomyoma reveals subcutaneous masses in the head and neck regions.

Examination of women with genital rhabdomyoma reveals vaginal masses.

Patients with cardiac rhabdomyomas may present with heart murmurs. If tuberous sclerosis is associated, the patient displays cerebral palsy–type signs. Renal functions may be altered.

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