Sarcomatoid Carcinoma

Abstract

Sarcomatoid carcinomas are currently listed separately by the WHO as a distinct category of malignant lung tumors. This group of carcinomas encompass some epithelial pseudo sarcomatous carcinomas as well as tumors with true sarcomatous components such as carcinosarcoma. In this atlas we cover two variants of sarcomatoid carcinoma: Giant Cell Carcinoma and Spindle Cell Carcinoma. Both known to be fast growing, clinically aggressive tumors with a propensity to present in advanced stage and to have a rather poor prognosis. Their radiographic presentation is non specific and their cytopathologic features are not well defined, although identification of large bizarre strap cells in cytologic preparations can be a clue for the diagnosis. The histopathology of giant cell carcinoma is highly distinctive. It is made of highly pleomorphic mono or multinucleated giant cells lacking evidence of any squamous or glandular features. Typically, an important inflammatory component, usually neutrophilic, can be found within these tumors.