Loosely arranged deeply eosinophilic spindled rhabdomyoblasts are seen in the submucosa. The overlying squamous mucosa is completely normal.

The rhabdomyoblasts appear oval and almost inclusion-like when seen en face.

Haphazardly placed wavy spindled cells (rhabomyoblasts) are seen. Mitoses are not present. Dilated dilated thin walled capillaries are also present.

Note the cross-striations (arrows) in the rhabdomyoblasts.

Rhabdomyomas are mesenchymal tumors showing skeletal muscle differentiation and occur as either cardiac or extracardiac types. The extracardiac type is classified further into 3 subgroups - adult, fetal and genital.

In the female genital tract, rhabdomyomas are most commonly arise in the vagina, followed by the cervix and vulva. Microscopically, spindled or strap-shaped rhabdomyoblasts with cross-striations are loosely arranged in the loose connective tissue. The vesicular nuclei have a single prominent nucleoli1

The main differential diagnosis is rhabdomyosarcoma botryoides, which occurs in a much younger population and is characterized by a cambium layer and prominent cytologic atypia.

Described in those 25-54 years of age. Presents as a polypoid mass, vaginal bleeding or dyspareunia.

Excision is curative.

Benign; excision is curative. Recurrences are rare and metastases do not occur.