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Primary carcinosarcoma of the spleen
Er Joy1, Ja Cornish1, R Bootun1
1Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, UK.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|June 25, 2014
Summary
This is the first reported case of a rare splenic carcinosarcoma presenting as microcytic anemia. Awareness of this unusual presentation is crucial due to the poor prognosis associated with this rare cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Carcinosarcomas are rare malignant tumors with epithelial and connective tissue components, typically originating in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
- Splenic carcinosarcomas are exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of a carcinosarcoma originating in the spleen.
- To highlight an unusual presentation of splenic carcinosarcoma as microcytic anemia.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 74-year-old female patient.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging (CT scan), and surgical intervention (splenectomy) were documented.
- Histopathological examination of the resected spleen confirmed the diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with significant weight loss and microcytic, hypochromic anemia.
- A splenic mass was identified via CT scan.
- Histology confirmed the presence of carcinosarcoma in the spleen.
Conclusions:
- Splenic carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare splenic tumors in the differential diagnosis of unexplained anemia and abdominal masses.
- Early recognition and awareness are vital due to the generally poor prognosis of carcinosarcomas.
