Congenital malignant rhabdoid tumor presenting as a cutaneous nodule: Report of 2 cases with review of the literature

Chuen Hsueh*, Tseng Tong Kuo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. - The congenital occurrence of malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is rare. Initial presentation of congenital MRT as a skin tumor is even more rare. We report 2 cases in which a cutaneous nodule appeared prior to the discovery of the primary tumor. Methods. - Histologic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical studies were performed on skin nodules from 2 neonates. Other congenital examples of MRT in the literature were reviewed. Results. - Both neonates were male and both were full-term. Skin nodules were noted at birth. The tumors were located on the right neck in case 1 and on the right back in case 2. The primary tumors were later found in the kidney and the right chest wall, respectively. The skin biopsy of the first case had been interpreted as undifferentiated sarcoma, and MRT was diagnosed after the renal tumor was examined. In the second case, a correct diagnosis was promptly made based on the skin biopsy owing to experience with the first case. Conclusions. - Congenital MRT is very uncommon and may present as a skin tumor at birth. Since MRT exhibits various histologic patterns, the diagnosis should be made by a complete pathologic study with proper clinical correlation. To our knowledge, the unique mode of manifestation in these 2 cases is described for the first time. We suggest that MRT should be considered when making the differential diagnosis in such a clinical setting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1099-1102
Number of pages4
JournalArchives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Volume122
Issue number12
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

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