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Published on: March 13, 2013
Primary malignant melanoma with rhabdoid features: a histologic and immunocytochemical study of three cases
B T Borek1, P H McKee, J A Freeman
1Department of Histopathology, UMDS (St Thomas' Campus), London, UK.
Abstract:
Malignant rhabdoid tumors are morphologically characterized by the presence of sheets of large polygonal cells with abundant cytoplasm containing eosinophilic inclusions. They have vesicular nuclei, often with prominent central nucleoli. The term rhabdoid tumor was originally coined to describe a group of rare, aggressive renal neoplasms of childhood. Since then, similar lesions, so-called extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumors have been increasingly reported. The evidence to date suggests that, at least in extrarenal locations, rhabdoid tumors do not constitute a homogeneous entity, but rather represent the shared morphological pattern of a diverse range of malignant neoplasms. Although such rhabdoid features are not uncommon in metastatic malignant melanoma, they have only once been briefly described in a primary lesion. We report three further cases of cutaneous primary malignant melanoma with rhabdoid morphology.
Insights
Malignant rhabdoid tumors, rare aggressive neoplasms, share a distinct cell morphology. This study identifies primary cutaneous malignant melanoma exhibiting this rhabdoid feature, expanding diagnostic considerations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRTs) are aggressive neoplasms often found in the kidney.
- Extrarenal MRTs are increasingly reported, suggesting a shared morphology rather than a single entity.
- Rhabdoid features are common in metastatic melanoma but rare in primary cutaneous lesions.
Observation:
- This study reports three cases of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma.
- These melanomas exhibit the characteristic rhabdoid morphology previously described in other tumor types.
- Rhabdoid morphology involves large polygonal cells with eosinophilic inclusions and vesicular nuclei.
Findings:
- Primary cutaneous malignant melanoma can present with rhabdoid morphology.
- This finding expands the differential diagnosis for cutaneous tumors with rhabdoid features.
- It highlights the importance of considering melanoma in the differential of primary rhabdoid tumors of the skin.
Implications:
- Recognizing rhabdoid morphology in primary cutaneous melanoma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- This expands the understanding of melanoma's diverse histological presentations.
- Further research may elucidate the pathogenesis of rhabdoid features in melanoma.
