A rhabdomyoma is a benigntumor of striated muscle. Rhabdomyomas may be either "cardiac" or "extra cardiac" (occurring outside the heart). Extracardiac forms of rhabdomyoma are sub classified into three distinct types: (1) Adult type, (2) Fetal type, and (3) Genital type.
Cardiac rhabdomyomas are the most common primary tumor of the heart in infants and children. It has an association with tuberous sclerosis.[1] In those with tuberous sclerosis, the tumor may regress and disappear completely, or remain consistent in size.
It is most commonly associated with the tongue[2] and heart,[3] but can also occur in other locations, such as the vagina.[4]
Malignant skeletal muscle tumors are referred to as rhabdomyosarcoma. Only rare cases of possible malignant change have been reported in fetal rhabdomyoma.
Photomicrograph of fetal-type rhabdomyoma. Note the plump, pink benign skeletal muscle cells.
^Edward F. Goljan (2009). Pathology, Third Edition. Elsevier. p. 537. Tumour Type: Rhabdomyoma; Location: Heart, also tongue and vagina; Comment: Benign heart tumour associated with tuberous sclerosis