Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma - A Mimicker of Squamosal Otitis Media

Introduction: rhabdomyosarcoma is the most frequently occurring intrusive soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric age group. orbit is the most common location for a pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, but it can occur in the oral cavity, pharynx, face and neck in the descending order of incidence. rhabdomyosarcoma in the ear is extremely rare. case report: a 5-year-old girl presented to the outpatient department of our tertiary care hospital with complaints of foul smelling, non-blood stained right ear discharge of one-month duration and deviation of angle of mouth to the left side of acute onset. investigations revealed a diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. multimodal therapy was carried out, and the child was rendered disease-free after two years. conclusion: embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck mimics chronic otitis media. early diagnosis is essential to deliver prompt treatment and prevent locoregional spread and metastasis.