Squamotous-type sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung with rhabdomyosarcomatous components

Abstract

Lung carcinosarcoma is an infrequently biphasic tumor composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. It is divided into endobronchial (squamous-type) and peripheral (glandular type) categories. The carcinomatous component is usually a squamous carcinoma, and the sarcomatous component usually resembles a fibrosarcoma or a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The presence of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation in such neoplasms is exceedingly rare. There are strong associations with smoking and asbestosis. In this study, we describe a unique case of a 43-year-old man with a 75 packet/year smoking history in whom a rare mixed malignant tumor of the lung was diagnosed and treated by left pneumonectomy. Histological examination of the resected specimen showed squamous cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma components. Although rare, the association of a sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung with squamous cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcomatous component is possible and should be kept in mind when dealing with these unusual tumors.