Cyto-histological correlations in primary, recurrent and metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma: the institut Curie's experience

Cytomorphological Insights into Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Rare Case in the Middle Ear

INTRODUCTION

Rhabdomyosarcoma, though rare in the middle ear, necessitates prompt recognition for optimal management. They are malignant mesenchymal neoplasms arising from the embryonic mesenchymal cells of striated skeletal muscles.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 5-year-old child with massive right mastoid swelling and bloody ear discharge. Cytological examination via fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed features suggestive of a malignant mesenchymal tumor, confirmed on imaging and subsequent histopathology as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) FNCLCC grade 2. Characteristic cytological findings included spindle-shaped cells in a myxoid stroma with tigroid background, aiding in early diagnosis. Despite radical mastoidectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy, ERMS in the middle ear remains challenging due to its aggressive nature and potential complications.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the importance of cytological evaluation in identifying rare soft tissue tumors like ERMS, facilitating timely intervention and improved outcomes. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are crucial in addressing the complexities of ERMS in uncommon sites like the middle ear.

Cytomorphology of spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma, including MYOD1 (LI22R) mutation result

Spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), characterized by MYOD1 (L122R) mutation in a subset of cases is a newly described subtype of RMS. Presently, there is no documentation of cytomorphological features, especially of sclerosing RMS. Case 1: A 24-year-old male presented with pain and swelling in his wrist for a one-year duration. MRI revealed a well-defined soft tissue lesion measuring 5.3 cm, encasing the lower end of the ulna. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears revealed clusters of tumor cells with round to oval to spindle-shaped nuclei, scant to moderate amount of cytoplasm with the wisps of the metachromatic stroma. Histopathological examination revealed a malignant tumor comprising cells with polygonal to spindle-shaped nuclei, arranged in a sclerotic stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for desmin, myogenin, and MYOD1. A diagnosis of sclerosing RMS was offered. Furthermore, the tumor revealed MYOD1 (L122R) mutation. Case 2: A 43-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of "nasal stuffiness" and pressure. Imaging revealed a poorly defined infiltrative lesion in his nasal cavity. FNAC smears revealed loose and tightly cohesive clusters of malignant cells with oval to spindle-shaped nuclei, a moderate amount of ill-defined bluish to finely vacuolated cytoplasm, and focal streak artifact with interspersed stromal fragments. Histopathological examination revealed a malignant tumor composed of oval to spindle-shaped nuclei, embedded in a variably hyalinized stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for desmin, and myogenin. Diagnosis of spindle cell/sclerosing RMS was offered. The present study constitutes one of the first documentation of cytomorphological features of two rare cases of spindle cell/sclerosing RMS. The differential diagnoses and treatment-related implications are presented.

The Small Round Cell Sarcomas Complexities and Desmoplastic Presentation

Background

Small round cell sarcomas (SRCSs) account for most solid malignancies in the pediatric age group and are a part of group of malignant tumors characterized by heterogenous clinical presentation and overlapping microscopic features of small, round, primitive cells. In addition to the recently established certain genetically defined subset of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas of soft tissue and bone, this group of sarcomas include desmoplastic small round cell tumor, poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and small cell osteosarcoma. Although, those entities share clinical and cytomorphologic features and cannot be unequivocally classified based on clinical presentation and morphology alone. Most of SRCSs characterizes of particular patterns of protein expression or genetic changes and ancillary tests remain necessary to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. Subtle but occasionally distinctive cytologic features narrows the number of differential diagnoses and helps to select appropriate ancillary tests necessary for the final diagnosis. Thus, when adequate fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy specimen is combined with ancillary tests, a specific histologic diagnosis can be made in almost all cases. However, due to complex cytologic features of SRCS as well as various quality and diversity of FNA smears, there are cases in that cytologic features which do not entirely match the known diagnostic criteria.

Summary

The aim of this review was to summarize cytomorphologic criteria and to present rare and divergent cytological features of SRCSs. Careful assessment of clinical presentation, cytological features, immunohistochemical patterns, and molecular alternations is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Knowing of rare and divergent microscopic findings that does not fit with the known cytological criteria will help to avoid misdiagnosis.

Key Messages

The role of FNA biopsies diagnosing soft tissue and bone tumors has been increasing because of the ability of ancillary tests to assist in the diagnosis of specific tumors. SRCSs may be diagnosed accurately in cytology specimens. Access to clinical and radiographic presentation, utility of ancillary tests, understanding complexity of cytological features, and awareness of the rare cytologic findings that differ from that of the established diagnostic criteria are essential to make correct diagnosis.

Cytomorphological and immunohistochemical features of renal and extrarenal rhabdoid tumors

BACKGROUND

Rhabdoid tumors are rare, highly lethal neoplasms characterized by alterations of SMARCB1 gene in chromosome 22, which occurs in infants and children. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an effective technique to diagnose this tumor when combined with Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular genetics. In this study, we describe four cases of renal and extra-renal rhabdoid tumor of which three cases were diagnosed on FNA with IHC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study includes four children with renal and extrarenal rhabdoid tumor retrieved from cytology archives. FNA was done with cell block, IHC, and cytogenetics. The cytomorphology with ancillary studies were reviewed along with histopathology which was available in 3 out of 4 cases.

RESULTS

All the four cases had similar cytomorphologic features comprising of large cells having vesicular nuclei which can be central or eccentric with prominent nucleoli and abundant pale cytoplasm. Few cells had intracytoplasmic hyaline inclusion. Cell block with IHC confirmed the diagnosis in three cases. One case in which cell block could not be made the diagnosis was confirmed on biopsy with IHC.

CONCLUSION

Rhabdoid tumors are uncommon but aggressive neoplasms with poor prognosis. Our study highlights that they can be diagnosed accurately on FNA cytomorphology when combined with IHC on cell block.

Pericardial metastasis from alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: A case report

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) commonly occurring in children and adolescents, is a rare and aggressive soft tissue malignancy demonstrating rapid growth and dissemination. Although their histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings are well known, cytomorphological features on serous effusions have not been well documented. A case of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed on cytological examination of the pericardial fluid cytology and discuss the diagnostic difficulties that were encountered in this case has been presented.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Features of BCOR-CCNB3 Sarcoma

OBJECTIVES

BCOR-CCNB3 sarcoma (BCS) is an undifferentiated tumor that has some clinical and morphologic similarity to classic Ewing sarcoma, but it is characterized by a distinct BCOR-CCNB3 gene fusion. There are no reports describing its cytomorphologic findings.

METHODS

We describe cytologic findings of five molecularly proven BCS cases (four males and one female, aged 8.5-22 years).

RESULTS

Smears showed mainly round cells, but some spindle cells and rhabdoid-like cells were also observed. Dispersed cells dominated in smears, but also distinct pseudopapillary structures with vascular cores were noted in four cases. Scant connective tissue fragments were found in four cases. There was no rosette formation in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

BCS should be differentiated from other round cell tumors. Some cytologic features, especially rhabdoid-like cells, connective tissue fragments, and pseudopapillary formations, combined with immunohistochemical and molecular studies, may be helpful in making the appropriate diagnosis.

Primary Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Breast in an Adult: An Extremely Rare Case

Sarcomas of the breast constitute less than 1% of all malignant breast tumors and primary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a very rare entity with limited case reports in the literature. RMS is common in children and adolescents and rare in adults. Primary RMS arising from the breast is exceedingly rare in adults. We report a case of a primary RMS of the breast in a 60-year-old woman, who presented in an early stage, mimicking invasive ductal carcinoma clinically and is in complete remission after three years of diagnosis and one year of treatment.

Applications of Ancillary Testing in the Cytologic Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Neoplasms

Soft tissue neoplasms are diagnostically challenging, although many advances in ancillary testing now enable accurate classification of fine-needle aspiration biopsies by detection of characteristic immunophenotypes (including protein correlates of molecular alterations) and molecular features. Although there are many useful diagnostic immunohistochemical markers and molecular assays, their diagnostic utility relies on correlation with clinical and morphologic features, judicious application, and appropriate interpretation because no single test is perfectly sensitive or specific. This review discusses applications of ancillary testing for commonly encountered soft tissue neoplasms in cytopathologic practice in the context of a pattern-based approach.

Diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in pediatric small round cell tumors

Objective

Fine needle aspiration biospy (FNAB) is a simple, cost effective procedure, which can be carried out in the out-patient department. The objective of our study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in small round cell tumors of childhood, keeping histopathology as the gold standard.

Results

Out of these 50 cases, 35 (70%) were small round cell tumors and 15 (30%) cases of other childhood malignancies and certain reactive conditions. In our study, the most common malignant small round cell tumor (SRCT) on histopathology was Wilms tumor (10 cases) followed by non Hodgkin lymphoma (9 cases). FNAB results were correlated with the histological findings and the diagnostic accuracy of SRCT came out to be 98%. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAB in diagnosing SRCT was 97% and 100% respectively. FNAB was found to be a very useful technique in the initial evaluation of any palpable lesion of childhood. Although the small round cell tumors appear cytologically similar, in the hands of experienced cytopathologists, the subtle morphological features can help towards the final diagnosis. In addition, clinical and radiological findings are invaluable assets, which help to reach the final diagnosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3678-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cytologic diagnosis of round cell sarcomas in the era of ancillary testing: an updated review

Round cell sarcomas constitute a large proportion of "small round blue cell tumors," which encompass a broad differential diagnosis and can be difficult to distinguish on cytomorphologic grounds alone. Numerous pathogenetic insights and advances in ancillary testing in soft tissue pathology over the last several decades have made accurate classification of soft tissue neoplasms increasingly feasible. Immunohistochemistry and genetic/molecular testing can now be performed on all cytologic preparations, including unstained smears, needle rinses, cell blocks, and liquid-based preparations, and this has greatly increased our diagnostic abilities. Nevertheless, there remain numerous diagnostic challenges, including variable sensitivity and specificity of available immunohistochemical markers, overlapping immunophenotypes between entities, and "promiscuity" of genetic alterations such as EWSR1 rearrangements, present in a multitude of tumor types. Herein we provide a review on the cytologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic features of the more frequently encountered round cell sarcomas, as well as recently described entities, with an emphasis on diagnostic pitfalls and judicious use of ancillary studies.

Fine needle aspiration in intraocular metastasis from pleuropulmonary blastoma. A case report and a review of the literature

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare primitive intrathoracic malignant neoplasm that occurs almost exclusively in children and adolescents. PPB is classified into three types according to the presence of cystic and solid areas. We report a case of PPB with an intraocular metastasis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA): 3-year-old female was treated for type II PPB by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Four years later, she presented with an intraocular lesion. To differentiate between metastasis or other malignancy, a transcleral FNA was performed and showed two cellular populations represented by roundish malignant cells and spindle-shaped cells. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and diode laser ablation. A year later, the patient had enucleation and rare residual cells were found on the histological specimen. Patient remains disease-free 66 months after the last surgical treatment. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:156-160. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma arising from the uterine corpus in a postmenopausal female: a surgical case challenging the genuine diagnosis on a cytology specimen

A 55-year-old postmenopausal female presented with genital bleeding and lower abdominal mass. An abdominal MRI revealed a heterogeneously enhanced, 15 × 10 cm mass, completely filling the lumen of the enlarged uterus. The cytologic analysis of the mass showed tumor cells in small clusters and as individual cells showing hyperchromatic round to oval nuclei, and pleomorphic and occasionally unipolar “tadpole”-shaped cytoplasm, in a background of severe necrosis and many degenerated squamous cells. We first interpreted it merely as atypical cells, possibly originated from sarcoma. A total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy were performed, and gross examination showed an exophytic polypoid mass with a whitish to white-grayish, necrotic appearance, protruding from the endometrial mucosa. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of a diffuse proliferation of highly atypical spindle-shaped cells, admixed with many characteristic rhabdomyoblasts having abundant densely eosinophilic cytoplasm with sometimes distinct cross-striations, coexisted with cellular primitive small blue round to oval cells foci. However, neither carcinoma nor additional heterologous sarcoma components were completely seen within our thorough investigation. Therefore, we finally made a diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma arising from the uterine corpus. We should be aware that owing to its characteristic features, cytopathologists might be able to determine a genuine diagnosis, based on multiple and adequate cytology samplings.

Needle biopsy of mesenchymal lesions of the head and neck: Evolving concepts and new strategies for diagnosis

Sarcomas are a rare and heterogeneous group of neoplasms that can be a significant diagnostic challenge in routine practice. Recent advances in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying oncogenesis have led to an array of novel diagnostic tools. Here we review several sarcomas of the head and neck region, focusing on neoplasms with new molecular findings and highlighting novel diagnostic tools.

Effectiveness of histology and cytology on musculoskeletal tumor diagnosis

OBJECTIVE:

To compare cytology and histology on the diagnosis of musculoskeletal neoplasms.

METHOD:

Fifty eight cases available to evaluation were analyzed both by cytology and histology. The results of the biopsies studied by histology and cytology were compared to the results obtained on the surgical specimen or immunohistochemistry. We determined the percentage of correct results, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of each method.

RESULTS:

Twelve per cent of biopsies were inconclusive by cytology. The percentage of correct diagnosis was 70.7% and 81% (p=.179), the ability to differentiate benign lesions from malignant ones was 84.5% and 93.1% (p=0.18) respectively, for cytology and histology. Cytology showed sensitivity of 87.8%, specificity of 76.5%, positive predictive value of 90%, negative predictive value of 72% and accuracy 84.5%. Histology showed sensitivity of 90.2%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 81% and accuracy of 93.1%. The Youden index for cytology was 64.3% and for histology it was 90.2%.

CONCLUSION:

Despite promising, cytology obtained by thin needle aspiration is less accurate and reliable than the histological evaluation on musculoskeletal tumors diagnosis.

Level of Evidence II, Diagnostic Studies.

Fine-needle aspiration in desmoplastic small round cell tumor: a report of 10 new tumors in 8 patients with clinicopathological and molecular correlations with review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare round cell sarcoma entity characterized by a specific t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation, usually intra-abdominal localization and an aggressive clinical outcome. To date, only 35 DSRCT cases diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration have been described.

METHODS

This study reports the cytological diagnosis of DSRCT. Ten tumors from 8 patients were sampled for diagnosis and analyzed to search the characteristic translocation using fluorescence in situ hybridization or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction methods.

RESULTS

Smears were always hypercellular and consisted of nonspecific round cell sarcoma. Nuclei were polymorphic round, kidney-, or heart-shaped. Nuclear molding was usually present. Paranuclear cytoplasmic densities were obvious and noted in 7 cases. Cytonuclear atypia, mitotic figures, numerous crushed nuclei, and apoptosis were frequently seen. Purple-stained stroma was present in 8 cases (ranging from few connective tissue fragments to large hyalinized deposits). Molecular studies based on cytological aspirates were performed in 8 patients. The presence of the fusion gene EWSR1-WT 1 transcript was identified in all, which confirmed the diagnosis of DSRCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Smears showing poorly differentiated round cells associated with cytoplasmic densities and connective stoma, in a specific clinical context, young adult age, intra-abdominal localization, suggestive immunocytochemical profile, and a unique cytogenetic abnormality are highly specific and allow an accurate diagnosis of DSRCT.

The role of cytology in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal neoplasms: systematic review

The authors systematically reviewed the literature of the last decade on the role of cytology in the evaluation of musculoskeletal neoplasms, and its diagnostic accuracy. A search was carried out on the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO, selecting articles in which cytology was used in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal neoplasms. Limits were used for English, Spanish and Portuguese, and only articles published since 2000 were selected. 757 articles were retrieved, 24 of which were selected based on criteria of inclusion and exclusion. It was concluded that although promising in the assessment of musculoskeletal neoplasms, cytology obtained by fine needle aspiration is less accurate and reliable than histological evaluation of such lesions.

CORE needle biopsy of orbital tumors

BACKGROUND

In some orbital mass lesions, histology may be the only way to establish an accurate diagnosis. Core needle biopsy (CNB) is widely performed in oncology, and unlike fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), it can provide sufficient tissue sample for histology and immunohistochemistry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and possible complications of CNB of orbital tumors.

METHODS

Fifty orbital lesions from 46 patients (age: 2-84 years) were biopsied using 20-gauge and 18-gauge semi-automated needles; 11 procedures were performed under ultrasound guidance. All 50 samples received routine histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Specimens diagnostically sufficient for histological analysis were obtained in all biopsies. The histopathological diagnosis was established in 94% of specimens: 30 tumors were malignant: lymphoma (20); rhabdomyosarcoma (six); lacrimal gland carcinoma (one); breast carcinoma metastasis (two); melanoma (one); three were benign; ten inflammatory; and four were orbital fibrosis. Three biopsies were nondiagnostic: two (lymphoma, angiofibroma) showed undetermined identification and one was a false-negative (lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma was misdiagnosed as fibrous tissue). The diagnoses were confirmed by excisional or incisional biopsy in 26 patients. The concordance rate in patients with a surgically confirmed diagnosis was 88%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for differentiating malignant from benign lesions were 94%, 100%, and 96%, respectively. Two patients suffered complications: mild retrobulbar hematoma with no decreased visual acuity. There was no damage to the globe or optic nerve, motility disorder, or infection.

CONCLUSIONS

CNB of orbital mass lesions is a safe procedure that provides a sufficient amount of tissue for histology and immunohistochemistry, and may be useful for improving the quality of the pathological diagnosis of orbital tumors.

Cytological diagnosis of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in the ascitic fluid: Report of a case highlighting the diagnostic difficulties

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is an uncommon tumor affecting adolescents and young adults that is only rarely encountered in body fluid cytology. We report the cytological features of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in the ascitic fluid of a 17-year-old female patient, who had presented with abdominal distention, 21 months after being diagnosed with perirectal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The rare single neoplastic cells that were admixed with abundant reactive mesothelial cells were initially misinterpreted as reactive mesothelial cells. However, their neoplastic nature was established after a careful review of their cytological features and the performance of immunoperoxidase stains. Compared to the reactive mesothelial cells that were present in the sample, the malignant cells were smaller, with less ample and more homogenous cytoplasm. They had slightly larger, more hyperchromatic, and more frequently eccentric nuclei, with larger nucleoli. This case highlights the potential pitfall of the misinterpretation of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells for reactive mesothelial cells. Awareness of this potential diagnostic problem and recognition of the cytomorphological features of this neoplasm in the body fluids allows the identification of malignant cells, even when they are rare and intimately associated with mesothelial cells.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive malignant soft tissue tumor that arises from primitive striated muscle cells called rhabdomyoblasts. RMS is a rare tumor in adults, and involvement of the sinonasal area is extremely rare, comprising only 1.5% of all reported head and neck RMSs. Alveolar RMS, mainly seen in adults, has the worst prognosis. Incidence of lymph node metastases is more common in this type compared with the other forms. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been used extensively in the diagnosis of metastatic malignancies. However, metastatic soft tissue sarcomas are often overlooked, primarily due to the low frequency with which they occur. Here, we report a rare case of metastatic alveolar RMS in the cervical lymph nodes of an 18-year-old girl that was detected by FNAC. After 6 months, the patient came with a huge mass involving the nasal vestibule and the upper lip. Histology of both the main mass and the lymph nodes revealed alveolar RMS.

Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Juvenile Labrador Retriever: Case Report and Literature Review

A 7 mo old Labrador retriever presented for evaluation of facial swelling associated with a 5 cm oral mass extending caudally from the upper third premolar on the left side. Cytology revealed an atypical population of round cells of undetermined origin. A diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) was reached via histopathology and confirmed with positive immunohistochemical staining for desmin. In humans, RMSs have a well-described round cell cytologic appearance. Few descriptions of veterinary cases of RMS exist. This report describes the cytologic appearance of alveolar RMS in a young dog and both summarizes and compares findings throughout the veterinary and human literature.

Imaging findings in noncraniofacial childhood rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood. This paper is focuses on imaging for diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of noncraniofacial RMS.