Primary carcinosarcoma of the helix of the ear

Ear Nose Throat J. 2005 Nov;84(11):712-5.

Abstract

We report our histologic and immunohistochemical findings in a rare case of cutaneous carcinosarcoma involving the helix of the ear. The tumor exhibited cellular features of both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and a malignant mesenchymal component that was consistent with malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The epithelial component exhibited a positive immunohistochemical reaction to cytokeratin and a negative reaction to vimentin, whereas the mesenchymal component showed a positive immunohistochemical reaction to vimentin and a negative reaction to cytokeratin. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the third reported case of a carcinosarcoma of the ear and the second case in which it developed on the helix.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Carcinosarcoma / pathology
  • Carcinosarcoma / surgery
  • Ear Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ear Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ear Neoplasms / surgery
  • Ear, External
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery