Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT) is a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. ATRTs can form anywhere in the central nervous. They are found most frequently in children ages 3 and younger. These tumors commonly arise when a child has a genetic mutation within one of two tumor-suppressor genes- SMARCB1 or SMARCA4. These tumors are extremely rare. Only 58 people are diagnosed with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors in the US each year. Some symptoms of an ATRT include morning headaches, vomiting, changes in activity levels, loss of balance, and enlarged head size. Since ATRTs are fast-growing, symptoms usually get worse quickly.
References:
PDQ Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board. (2022). Childhood Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. In PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer Institute (US).
PDQ Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board. (2023). Childhood Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment (PDQ®): Patient Version. In PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer Institute (US).
