True malignant mixed tumor (carcinosarcoma) of palatal minor salivary gland origin

True malignant mixed tumor (carcinosarcoma) of salivary gland origin is exceedingly rare and is distinguishable from the more frequently occurring carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. This paper reports a case of true malignant mixed tumor originating from a palatal minor salivary gland of a 55-year-old male. Histologically, nests of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma were scattered in a sarcomatous background which partially showed an unequivocal chondrosarcoma. Clinical course of the present patient suggested that a pre-existing benign minor salivary gland lesion developed to a carcinosarcoma.