This is a case of a thoracic desmoplastic small round cell tumor.

The patient initially underwent a fine needle aspiration where pathology revealed fragments of atypical cells which were positive for desmin. There was also focal staining of synaptophysin.

The patient then underwent a decompressive thoracic laminectomy at T5-T6, T6-T7, and T7-T8, as well as debulking of the epidural tumor. Gross pathologic examination revealed a tan-white, rubbery tissue. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CK, desmin, WT1, and focally positive for synaptophysin. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical results were consistent with a desmoplastic small round cell tumor. The patient's post-operative course was uncomplicated.

Co-author:
Morgan Zhao, MD