Basal cell carcinoma with a sarcomatous component (carcinosarcoma): a series of 5 cases and a review of the literature.

Cutaneous carcinosarcomas are rare biphasic malignant tumors with a malignant epithelial component together with malignant stroma. Five cases treated in the Yorkshire region of England between 2003 and 2006 are presented. The patients were male with an age range from 58 to 84 years. Four lesions occurred on the face and one on the trunk. Each tumor had an epithelial component resembling a typical nodular basal cell carcinoma. The stromal components demonstrated atypical spindle cells and tumor giant cells, undifferentiated stroma, or osteoid formation. All underwent surgical excision and none showed evidence of recurrence (follow-up 3-17 months, one death from unrelated causes). The recent literature concerning the pathogenesis and prognosis of these unusual tumors is reviewed.