[Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the middle ear: description of a case with long-term survival].

A case is described of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (E.R.) of the middle ear in a 4-year-old child; survival has been over 9 years. R.E. is the most common malignant tumor of the auricular region in children and is most often fatal due to locoregional extensions or secondary metastases carried through the bloodstream and lymphatic systems. The basis for treatment is a multidisciplinary approach to the disease: surgery with as broad an exeresis as possible; radiotherapy with tumor-killing doses of 5,500/6,000 rads; and polychemotherapy (Vincristina, Endoxan, Methotrexate). Such "aggressive" treatment often results in a high rate of morbidity with complications involving the blood, bones, eyes and meninx often requiring temporary suspension of treatment and prolonged hospitalization.