Socioeconomic and Cultural Constraints in the Management of Bladder Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Resource Poor Setting

Background: With improvement in the control of infection and malnutrition, non-communicable diseases such as cancer may account for significant proportion of morbidity and mortality amongst under five children in future. We are hoping through this paper to drive home the reality and extent of the problem that patients, families, healthcare providers are confronted within the management of children with cancer. Case Report: A 3 year old male from poor socio-economic status presented with inability to pass urine, abdominal mass, generalized body swelling, fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse. Abdominopelvic CT scan, cystoscopy revealed a bladder mass involving both ureters, hydronephrosis and pelvicalyceal dilatation. Histological report showed sheets of rounded and spindle cells in a myxoid stroma with tumor cells showing visible cross striations, suggesting diagnosis of bladder rhabdomyosarcoma. Patient was jointly managed with the paediatric surgical team. Conclusion: Late presentation, ignorance, poverty, lack of appropriate equipments and manpower were notable constrains against effective management of this patient with bladder rhabdomyosarcoma.