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[Carcinosarcoma of the submaxillary gland]
C Julié1, D Aidan, S Arkwright
1Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Boucicaut, Paris.
Annales De Pathologie
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Salivary gland carcinosarcoma is a rare cancer with a poor prognosis. This case report details a submandibular gland tumor with distinct malignant epithelial and chondroid components, aiding differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Salivary gland carcinosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy.
- It must be differentiated from carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, where only the epithelial component is malignant.
- This distinction is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Observation:
- A case of submandibular gland carcinosarcoma is presented without a history of pre-existing tumor.
- The tumor displayed two distinct, atypical cellular components: an undifferentiated area and a chondroid pattern.
- Immunohistochemical staining was performed on both components.
Findings:
- Epithelial markers in the undifferentiated area helped distinguish the tumor from salivary gland sarcomas.
- Positivity for EMA, vimentin, and S100 protein in both major components suggested a shared cellular origin.
- These findings support the classification of the tumor as a carcinosarcoma.
Implications:
- This case contributes to understanding the rare entity of salivary gland carcinosarcoma.
- Immunohistochemistry is vital for differentiating carcinosarcoma from other salivary gland malignancies.
- Further research into the cellular origin and nomenclature of carcinosarcoma is warranted.