Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in children with histomorphological review

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are aggressive malignant neoplasm of mesenchymal origin, related to skeletal muscle lineage. These are the most common soft tissue tumors in children. The diagnosis is made by microscopic analysis and ancillary techniques like immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, cytogenetics and molecular biology. We encountered a case of a 03 years old child who presented with a tender, reddish, soft swelling over cheek for three weeks. The FNAC was reported as a small round cell tumor, Probably Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET). The biopsy of tumor revealed a small round cell tumor with an alveolar pattern. Tumor giant cells were absent and mitotic figures were infrequent. Hence, differentials of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and PNET were rendered. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrated desmin positivity. Thus, a final diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma was offered.

Management challenges of sinonasal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in infanthood: case report and literature review

“…Molecular and genetic markers including evaluation with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods were also useful for differentiating the subtypes of RMS. 7,10,15 In our reported case, we could only do the conventional histological analysis because of the financial handicap as well as institutional factors and constraints. We did not have the privilege of getting an immunohistochemistry done.…”