Sarcomatoid carcinoma: a case report

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is a malignant tumor characterized by double malignant histology with differentiation of epithelial and mesenchymal components, a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma. The report is of a 40-year-old female patient who presented pain in the upper gingival mucosa on the left side. The intraoral exam showed extensive ulceration on the hard palate that extended from the buccal mucosa to the midline. An incisional biopsy was performed and the anatomopathologic diagnosis was SC. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, with no significant effect. According to some authors, these tumors are known for the high incidence of local recurrences and distant metastases. Wide surgical excision is the treatment of choice and radiotherapy can be discussed in cases of surgically irresistible lesions. The prognosis is quite reserved because it is an aggressive tumor with rapid progression and destruction.