Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare malignant tumor with gloom destiny. Our case was a 4-year-old boy with a temporal lobe tumor that was then became evident of ATRT with recurrent happening. In a retrospective review of all cytologic slides, we found unique rhabdoid cells that are morphologically evident cells for ATRT in both times. Unfortunately, the cells were overlooked at the first time. We conclude if the pathologist is experienced to see rhabdoid cells noticing these cells is highly helpful for diagnosis ATRT, especially in frozen sectioning.