Spindle cell lesions of the head and neck mimicking rhabdomyosarcoma in children

Malignancies of the head and neck are uncommon among children. The most common solid tumors to occur in this region are rhabdomyosarcoma, Hodgkin disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Two children are described who presented with signs and symptoms consistent with rhabdomyosarcoma, but who were found to have benign spindle cell lesions. These rare lesions should be part of the differential of children with a head and neck mass.