Malignant extra renal rhabdoid tumour presenting as central airway obstruction

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Rhabdoid tumors are aggressive childhood cancers with high mortality, typically affecting children under five.
• Endoluminal tracheal masses causing airway obstruction are rare in pediatric oncology.
• Malignant rhabdoid tumors presenting in the trachea have not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of malignant rhabdoid tumor presenting as an endoluminal tracheal mass.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and implications of this unusual presentation.
• To emphasize the importance of considering rare diagnoses in persistent respiratory symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 17-year-old male patient.
• Clinical presentation mimicking bronchial asthma.
• Diagnostic workup including imaging and histopathological examination.
• Immunohistochemistry for definitive diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of upper airway obstruction.
• Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the trachea was diagnosed.
• The tumor masqueraded as bronchial asthma, leading to delayed diagnosis.
• Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Malignant rhabdoid tumors can present with rare endoluminal tracheal masses.
• Delayed diagnosis can occur when symptoms mimic common conditions like asthma.
• Early and accurate diagnosis through comprehensive evaluation is crucial for managing aggressive pediatric neoplasms.