Melody Oncale1, Hillary Zalaznick Kimbrell2, Marianne Barnhill3. 1. Department of Hospital Medicine, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA ; The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA. 2. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA. 3. Department of Hematology-Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sarcomatoid carcinomas (SCs) are poorly differentiated non-small cell lung carcinomas containing components of either sarcomatoid differentiation or true sarcoma. SCs have a poor prognosis; some studies suggest a 6-month survival rate <27%. CASE REPORT: We present a case of the rare entity of SC, likely giant cell carcinoma, that is unique because our patient was older than the mean age at presentation, was female, and had a central lesion. CONCLUSION: Clinicians need to be aware of the histologic entities of SCs of the lung because of the aggressive nature of these lesions and because of the need for further studies to determine possible treatment regimens.
BACKGROUND:Sarcomatoid carcinomas (SCs) are poorly differentiated non-small cell lung carcinomas containing components of either sarcomatoid differentiation or true sarcoma. SCs have a poor prognosis; some studies suggest a 6-month survival rate <27%. CASE REPORT: We present a case of the rare entity of SC, likely giant cell carcinoma, that is unique because our patient was older than the mean age at presentation, was female, and had a central lesion. CONCLUSION: Clinicians need to be aware of the histologic entities of SCs of the lung because of the aggressive nature of these lesions and because of the need for further studies to determine possible treatment regimens.