Nasopharyngeal rhabdomyosarcoma mimicking a peritonsillar abscess

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue malignancy seen in childhood and frequently occurs in the head and neck region. Pediatric head and neck RMS is often misdiagnosed as common benign conditions. Here we describe an embryonal RMS that presented as a peritonsillar abscess (PTA). Due to an incorrect initial diagnosis and lack of imaging, the patient received unnecessary medical therapy and diagnosis of RMS was delayed.