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Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Presenting as an Intra/Extracranial Mass.
Meshari Almutairi1, Khalid T Alghamdi2, Othman T Almutairi3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, SAU.
Cureus
|April 4, 2024
Summary
Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) rarely spread to the brain. This case details an unusual extracranial extension of brain metastasis from DSRCT, highlighting the need for aggressive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) are aggressive malignancies characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation.
- Intracranial metastasis from DSRCT is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
- The prognosis for DSRCT is generally poor, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old male patient with pelvic DSRCT presented with neurological symptoms including a scalp lump and right-sided weakness.
- Imaging and biopsy confirmed intracranial metastasis of DSRCT with subsequent extracranial extension.
- This represents a unique presentation of DSRCT metastasis beyond the cranial vault.
Findings:
- The patient's condition demonstrated an extremely rare instance of DSRCT metastasizing to the brain and then extending externally.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the metastatic nature of the scalp lesion, originating from the primary DSRCT.
- This case highlights an unusual pattern of DSRCT dissemination.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the aggressive potential of DSRCT, even in rare metastatic patterns.
- Aggressive multimodal treatment, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation, is crucial for managing DSRCT with intracranial and extracranial spread.
- Further research into DSRCT metastatic pathways and treatment optimization is warranted to improve patient outcomes.

