A shared origin from a common ancestor: A case report of two histologically different tumors

Pathol Res Pract. 2023 Aug:248:154648. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154648. Epub 2023 Jun 30.

Abstract

The origin of tumors has been under discussion over the years. Different theories have been suggested to explain this phenomenon. Among them, the Cancer-Stem Cells model, is one of the most outstanding. In this study, we reported a case of a 72-year-old man who presented two histologically different tumors with a 7-years gap, a Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma and a Pleomorphic Undifferentiated Sarcoma, that share some molecular features. Phonotypical differences were showed and confirmed at histological and IHC levels. Molecular analysis showed an HPV infection in the carcinoma. Additionally, sequencing results revealed common (CDKN2A and TERT) and exclusive (FBXW7 and TP53) genetic alterations in both tumors (Table 1). The possible germline origin of common mutations was discarded after negative germline testing. Here we describe, for the first time a clinical case of a possible origin of two histologically different tumors from a common ancestor based on molecular data. Even if different hypothesis appear as possible, the Cancer Stem Cell-based model appears as the most suitable.

Keywords: Cancer stem Cell; Case Report; Next-generation sequencing; Penile Squamous cell carcinoma; Penile sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports