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.