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 r are tumor of early infancy, with a grim prognosis. CASE: A 17-month-ol d 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 nucl ei; prominent nucleoli; and well-defined cytoplasm exhibiting paranucl ear, dense inclusions. These inclusions reacted positively with cytoke ratin and vimentin. Ultrastructural examination showed the presence of intermediate cytoplasmic filaments. CONCLUSION: Cytomorphologic and i mmunocytochemical characteristics permit the preoperative differentiat ion of MRT from other malignant tumors of childhood. That facilitates treatment planning and precludes unnecessary surgical intervention.