Imaging Case Study of the Month Adult Rhabdomyoma of the Base of the Tongue

The adult rhabdomyoma often presents as a painless mass causing a sensation of a lump in the throat. Because of its slow growth, the tumor may not produce any significant symptoms until a partial obstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract occurs, causing dyspnea and dysphagia. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography may be of value in the preoperative assessment. Magnetic resonance imaging, however, is superior in demonstrating the benign, solid tumor with a homogeneous soft tissue density