Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with only numerical chromosome changes - case report and review of the literature

An embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, presenting as a retroperitoneal mass in a 15 -year-old girl, is reported. The histological and immunohistochemical pictu re was typical, except for the presence of focal chondroid differentiation. Interestingly expression of the "muscle markers" desmin and alpha-sarcomer ic actin was present in the latter areas. Cytogenetic analysis showed a hyp erdiploid karyotype without structural chromosome changes. The pertinent li terature on the subject is reviewed. Hyperdiploidy of the clonal type seems to occur frequently, but no characteristic karyotype is so far emerging. ( C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1999. All rights reserved.