Carcinosarcoma of the Palatine Tonsil—Diagnostic and Treatment Approach. Literature Review: Clinical Case

摘要

Introduction: Carcinosarcoma of the head and neck is a 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”—Plovdiv, presenting with difficulty swallowing and a lump on the right side of the neck for several months. Computed tomography was performed and a tumor involving the right palatine tonsil was found. The tonsil was surgically removed. The histopathological findings showed a biphasic tumor with epithelial and mesenchymal components—carcinosarcoma. Results: Following 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 its 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 as per protocol for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma due to the absence of a specific one.