Mediastinal desmoplastic small round cell tumor.

RATIONALE Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare distinct tumor with a high-grade malignancy. PATIENT CONCERNS A 51-year-old male visited a local hospital in April 2016 complaining of shortness of breath, chest tightness and pain, and exhibited significant swelling in both sides of the chest. DIAGNOSES CT demonstrated thoracic symmetry and no abnormalities were observed in the soft tissues of the ribs and the chest wall. A general observation of CT-guided puncture biopsy revealed 2 stripes of gray and grayish-white puncture tissues of 0.5 and 1 cm in length, respectively, and 0.1 cm in diameter. These results preliminarily suggested a (mediastinum) malignant small round cell tumor. INTERVENTION Given the progression of the disease, the chemotherapy regimen, consisting of ifosfamide and etoposide, was altered during the course and radiotherapy (total of 70 Gy of mediastinal Y field radiation) was conducted. OUTCOMES The patient and his family declined further treatment. Through follow-up, the total survival period was determined as 17 months. LESSONS DSRCT is a rare interstitial malignant tumor. Effective cytoreduction combined with comprehensive therapies could achieve partial remission or prolong the survival of patients.