Squamous cell carcinoma with rhabdoid phenotype of skin/soft tissue in a transplant patient: an exceptional case and review of the literature

Diagn Cytopathol. 2013 Feb;41(2):159-63. doi: 10.1002/dc.21788. Epub 2011 Aug 26.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma with rhabdoid features (SCCRF) is a very rare and unusual cutaneous tumor. Here, we report an extraordinary case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy, in a 66-year-old man, status post multiple organ transplantation. The patient presented with a large ulcerating fungating mass in his forearm that had all the light microscopic and immunohistochemical features of a SCCRF. Previously six cases of SCCRF phenotype diagnosed by surgical pathology have been reported. This is the first case diagnosed cytologically. A review of the literature with emphasis on the differential diagnoses of such unusual rhabdoid-like tumors in fine-needle aspiration biopsy and the potential molecular mechanism for rhabdoid phenotype in transplant patients are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Cell Nucleus / pathology
  • Forearm
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Organ Transplantation
  • Phenotype
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology*