Very Long-term Sequelae after Nonradical Surgery Combined with Brachytherapy in an Infant with a Chemotherapy-resistant Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Tongue

Abstract

In 2003, van Grotel and colleagues reported an infant suffering a chemotherapy-resistant eRMS of the tongue, that was treated with subtotal tumor resection and brachytherapy after major medical ethical discussions. As no long-term sequelae of such a procedure have been described, perspectives were uncertain at that time. Now, after 15 years, we describe hypoplasia of the mandibula, compromised dentation, osteopenia, neuropsychological deficits, and moderate speech impairment as the most prominent late effects. Also, mandibular cysts and basal cell carcinomas in the irradiated area, eventually led to the diagnosis Gorlin syndrome.