Trichoblastic Carcinosarcoma of the Skin: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

An 83-year-old man presented to the dermatology department for an ulcerated skin lesion of the back that had been increasing in size during the past 11 years. The physical examination revealed a well-defined, fleshy, reddish plaque measuring 10 × 20 cm in diameter with erosions and black areas on the surface. The patient underwent surgical excision with margins of 10 mm followed by a skin graft. Histologic section showed a lesion composed of 2 intimately intermingled epithelial and mesenchymal components associated with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Immunohistochemical examination showed epithelial cells that were positive for CK AE1/AE3 and p53, whereas stromal cells were positive for vimentin, CD10, and p53. BCC was positive for CD10. On the basis of these findings, a diagnosis of trichoblastic carcinosarcoma associated with BCC was made. Given the scarcity of data available in the literature regarding this diagnosis, no standard of care exists. No adjuvant treatment was provided and after 1 year of follow-up, the patient did not experience recurrence.