Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the liver diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Primary malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) of the liver is a rare tumor of early infancy, with a grim prognosis.

CASE

A 17-month-old female presented with a palpable mass in the upper right side of the abdomen. Ultrasonographically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor contained malignant cells with medium-sized, vesicular nuclei; prominent nucleoli; and well-defined cytoplasm exhibiting paranuclear, dense inclusions. These inclusions reacted positively with cytokeratin and vimentin. Ultrastructural examination showed the presence of intermediate cytoplasmic filaments.

CONCLUSION

Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical characteristics permit the preoperative differentiation of MRT from other malignant tumors of childhood. That facilitates treatment planning and precludes unnecessary surgical intervention.