CARCINOSARCOMA OF SKIN (SARCOMATOID CARCINOMA) - A RARE NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCER (CASE REVIEW)

Abstract

Non-melanoma skin cancer incidence is rising worldwide. The leading neoplasias are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. We report on an 88-year-old female patient with a rapidly grown, symptomless, exophytic tumor of the supraclavicular area. Examination at the dermatology department has revealed a firm, exophytic, reddish tumor covered by crusts, about 4 cm in diameter and easily movable to the ground. The tumor was removed by delayed Mohs surgery (R0 resection). The resulting defect was closed by tissue expansion. Nodal metastases were ruled out by ultrasound. Histologic investigation revealed a biphasical nodular tumor composed of partly fibrous spindle cellular elements, partly myxoid and chondroid mesenchymal components with cellular atypia, atypical mitoses and focal necrosis. Some multinucleated tumor cells were noted. Trabecular and island-like solid epithelial tumor components demonstrated increased mitotic activity and cellular atypia. There was no vascular invasion. The diagnosis of a basaloid carcinosarcoma was confirmed. Basaloid carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare cutaneous neoplasia with less than 30 patients reported. Complete wide excision or Mohs surgery are the favored treatment options.