BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for approximately 4% of all childhood malignancies. Breast metastases from rhabdomyosarcoma are uncommon with an incidence of 6%. CASE REPORT: We present a patient who developed bilateral mammary metastases from rhabdomyosarcoma arising in the right lower extremity. An 11-year-old female with a 20-month history of rhabdomyosarcoma was referred to our department because of bilateral breast enlargement. A needle core biopsy was performed and touch imprint slides were obtained. Cytology determined the masses to be metastases of rhabdomyosarcoma. MyoD1 immunostain and RT-PCR analysis confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomorphology with ancillary methods is essential in the diagnosis of metastatic breast deposits in order to avoid unnecessary mastectomy and to employ systemic treatment. Copyright 2004 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.
BACKGROUND:Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for approximately 4% of all childhood malignancies. Breast metastases from rhabdomyosarcoma are uncommon with an incidence of 6%. CASE REPORT: We present a patient who developed bilateral mammary metastases from rhabdomyosarcoma arising in the right lower extremity. An 11-year-old female with a 20-month history of rhabdomyosarcoma was referred to our department because of bilateral breast enlargement. A needle core biopsy was performed and touch imprint slides were obtained. Cytology determined the masses to be metastases of rhabdomyosarcoma. MyoD1 immunostain and RT-PCR analysis confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomorphology with ancillary methods is essential in the diagnosis of metastatic breast deposits in order to avoid unnecessary mastectomy and to employ systemic treatment. Copyright 2004 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.