Primary cutaneous carcinosarcoma: dermoscopic and immunohistochemical features

Australas J Dermatol. 2010 Feb;51(1):26-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2009.00587.x.

Abstract

A 73-year-old man presented a 9-month history of an enlarging nodule on his right temple. Dermoscopy revealed a non-pigmented lesion with ulceration, fibrosis and pale globules. An excisional biopsy was carried out and histology showed a biphasic tumour with a basal cell carcinoma like epithelial component and a dermal undifferentiated sarcoma, with pleomorphic spindle cells and numerous osteoclast-like giant cells. Based on immunohistochemistry findings, a diagnosis of primary cutaneous carcinosarcoma was made and the patient underwent wide local excision.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Australia
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / surgery
  • Carcinosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Carcinosarcoma / pathology
  • Carcinosarcoma / surgery
  • Dermoscopy
  • Giant Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Osteoclasts / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery