Rare localization of a rhabdoid tumor in the elbow of a 6-year-old child: A case report

Abstract

We report a rare case of a rhabdoid tumor of the elbow in a 6-year-old child. Rhabdoid tumors are aggressive and rare neoplasms, usually found in the kidneys or soft tissues, and their occurrence in the elbow is exceptional, potentially delaying diagnosis. Imaging plays a key role in the evaluation, allowing assessment of tumor extent and its relationship with surrounding structures. In our patient, it revealed a solid, infiltrative mass in the distal third of the long head of the left biceps, with lobulated contours and intermediate T2 signal, showing moderate and heterogeneous enhancement after gadolinium, with infiltration of adjacent soft tissues, suggestive of a malignant lesion. Imaging is essential not only for initial tumor assessment but also for monitoring treatment response and identifying complications, as illustrated in our patient, in whom ultrasound revealed cervical lymph node involvement. Histopathological examination is essential for confirming the diagnosis, as rhabdoid tumors exhibit distinctive cellular features that can distinguish them from other neoplasms.