Oesophageal carcinosarcoma: a rare neoplasm of the oesophagus

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2023 Feb;105(2):186-190. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0222. Epub 2023 Jan 9.

Abstract

Oesophageal carcinosarcoma (OCS) is a rare oesophageal cancer, expressing both carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Although believed to have a better prognosis, no standard guidelines exist for its diagnosis and management. We report a case of a 60-year male presenting with progressive dysphagia and weight loss. Endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a large polypoidal intraluminal growth at the mid-oesophagus. Endoscopic biopsy revealed a sarcoma of the oesophagus. The patient underwent McKeown minimally invasive oesophagectomy. Final histopathology was suggestive of OCS. Postoperatively, the patient received adjuvant chemoradiation. At 20-month follow-up, he was asymptomatic with no radiological evidence of recurrence.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma; Carcinosarcoma; Leiomyosarcoma; Oesophagus; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinosarcoma* / diagnosis
  • Carcinosarcoma* / surgery
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma* / surgery
  • Esophagectomy
  • Humans
  • Male