True malignant mixed tumor (carcinosarcoma) of the parotid gland - case report

Abstract

Objective: True malignant mixed tumor (carcinosarcoma) is an extremely rare tumor in salivary glands pathology, consisting of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. The majority are seen in the parotid gland. Material and method: We report here a case of a 53 year old female patient from urban area, nonsmoker, who was admitted in ENT Department Timişoara in 2006, for a mass in the left parotid region, which appeared five months before, gradually increasing in size. We discuss diagnostic and treatment of this pathologic entity. Results: Histopathological results revealed a parotid gland carcinosarcoma, exhibiting features of adenocarcinoma (epithelial element) and fibrosarcomatous areas. Our patient underwent total parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation and radiotherapy. Conclusions: The case is of interest because of its rarity. Because carcinosarcomas are aggressive neoplasms a radical treatment is necessary, which combines surgical excision and radiotherapy. After a clinical follow-up of 13-months, the patient died due to lung metastases.