Basal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid features (sarcomatoid carcinoma): report of a case and review of the literature

J Dermatol. 2003 Jul;30(7):543-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2003.tb00430.x.

Abstract

We report a new case of sarcomatoid carcinoma, which showed cellular features of basal cell carcinoma and malignant fibrous myxoid histiocytoma. For this new case and rare neoplasm, we propose the designation of sarcomatoid basal cell carcinoma, as both components were intimately intermingled, the spindle cells seemed to arise from epithelial cells, and both tumoral components showed the same immunohistochemistry expression, cytokeratin and P53 protein, suggesting a monoclonal origin. The epithelial component, a basal cell carcinoma, may have been the first component in the carcinogenesis process.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Carcinosarcoma / pathology*
  • Carcinosarcoma / surgery
  • Ear, External
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53