Rhabdoid carcinoma of the colon: a distinct entity with a very aggressive behavior: a case report associated with a polyposis coli and review of the literature

Int J Surg Pathol. 2012 Apr;20(2):185-90. doi: 10.1177/1066896911415405. Epub 2011 Jul 26.

Abstract

Rhabdoid colon tumors (RCTs) are rare lesions whose existence as an independent distinct entity remains controversial. To date, 6 RCTs have been reported. This study reports a novel case associated with polyposis coli in a 73-year-old woman. Histologically, the neoplasia was heterogeneous consisting of an adenocarcinoma associated with rhabdoid features. In rhabdoid component, an intense expression of MSH2 was noted but MLH1 was negative. A BRAF V600E mutation and no KRAS mutations were identified. The promoter regions of subset of genes highly specific to characterize the CIMP status (NEUROG1, IGF2, RUNX3, SOCS1, including MLH1) were hypermethylated, suggesting the presence of CIMP+ and MSI high tumor. In conclusion, all RCTs have similar clinical features. The presence of polyposis and adenocarcinoma component as well as the expression of mesenchymal marker suggests a sarcomatous dedifferentiation. It is argued that RCT could be a very aggressive entity of colon, which could benefit from new biological colonic treatments.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / complications
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / pathology*
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / therapy
  • Aged
  • Colonic Neoplasms / complications
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / complications
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / pathology*
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / therapy

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm