Abstract
Introduction: Carcinosarcoma of the head and neck is an very rare pathology < 1%. This is a mixed tumor with epithelial and mesenchymal components. It is characterized by high recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates.
Aim: The sporadic nature of carcinosarcomas of the oral cavity, sinonasal tract, larynx, and hypopharynx causes difficulties with the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Our clinical case is an example of a rare localization of carcinosarcoma, which allows for a detailed examination thereof.
Materials and methods: We present a clinical case of a 67 year-old male, admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of University Hospital „Sv. Georgi“ EAD – Plovdiv, presenting with difficulty swallowing and a lump on the right side of the neck for several months. Computer tomography was performed and a tumor found involving the right palatine tonsil. The tonsil was surgically removed. The histopathological result showed a biphase tumor with epithelial and mesenchymal components – carcinosarcoma.
Results: Following the monotonsillectomy, the patient was referred to radiotherapy. The local status does not indicate any progression and infiltration into soft tissue.
Conclusion: Carcinosarcoma is a malignant mixed tumor with high recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates. It is difficult to diagnose due to the non-typical location and the need for immunohistochemistry testing, which is not always possible. The therapy for carcinosarcoma of the head and neck is delivered under a squamous cell carcinoma protocol due to the lack of a specific one.
Keywords
Carcinosarcoma, oral cavity, tonsil, mixed tumor
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