Extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumour of the heel--a case report

Malignant rhabdoid tumour is a rare soft-tissue neoplasm that occurs in children and young adults. Cases have involved numerous extrarenal sites, including the thymus, liver, paravertebral region, central nervous system, heart, prostate, pelvis, chest wall, extremities, as well as soft tissues. Given their highly aggressive nature, early diagnosis of rhabdoid tumours is essential; indeed, survival times after initial presentation are typically in the range of months rather than years. The low incidence of rhabdoid tumours and confusion between this type of tumour and other tumours has precluded the collection of adequate data on its clinical presentation and there is no specific therapeutic protocol. Owing to the rarity of this condition and the difficulties encountered in its diagnosis and treatment, we report the case of a malignant tumour with rhabdoid-like features in the foot that confirms the local aggressiveness and the high metastatic potential of this type of tumour.