Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Maxilla: A Diagnostic Dilemma

J Pak Med Assoc. 2021 Oct;71(10):2479-2480.

Abstract

Sarcomatoid malignant neoplasm, are extremely rare and aggressive head and neck tumours characterized by twin microscopic differentiation of epithelial cell and mesenchymal cell tumours. The clinical and histopathologic features make it difficult to distinguish sarcomatoid cancer from epithelioid sarcoma; creating a challenge for the pathologist to arrive at a diagnosis. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common head and neck malignancy; of which only 3% show features similar to sarcomatoid cancer. We present a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the maxilla. This has previously only been documented in a few case reports.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / diagnosis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms*
  • Humans
  • Maxilla / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcoma* / diagnosis