Malignant Small Cell Tumor of the Thoracopulmonary Region (Askin Tumor): Report of a case

Han, Young Im; Lee, Hye Jin; Suh, Kang Suek; Lee, Sun Kyung

Abstract

Malignant small cell tumor(MSCT) of the thoracopulmonary region(Askin tumor) is extremely rare and is seen predominantly in children and adolescents. This tumor represents a distinct clinicopathologic entity of neuroectodertnal origin, arising from the soft tissues of the chest wall or peripheral lung. This tumor tends to recur locally, but does not seem to disseminate widely. The overall survival is poor. Recently, we experienced a case of the MSCT of the thoracopulmonary region of a 12-year-old female. She was admitted because of a chest wall mass on radiographic examination, and a complaint of intermittent chest pain. Grossly, the mass was lobulated, round and had a solid appearance with focal necrosis and hemorrhage on the cut surface. Histologically, small round to oval cells were arranged in compact sheets, nests and lobular patterns with intervening fibrovascular stroma. Ultrastructurally, the presence of loose-fitting membrane-bound neurosecretory granules was noted.