Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: Difference between revisions

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__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
{{SI}}                                                                 
{{Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung}}                                                                 
{{CMG}}; {{AE}}{{Trusha}} {{MV}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{Trusha}}, {{MV}}
   
   
{{SK}} Primary sarcoma of the lung; Lung sarcoma; Sarcomatoid tumor of the lung  
{{SK}} Primary sarcoma of the lung; Lung sarcoma; Sarcomatoid tumor of the lung; Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma
   
   
==Overview==
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung overview|Overview]]==
'''Sarcomatoid carcinomas''' are a group of poorly differentiated [[Non small cell lung cancer|non-small cell lung carcinomas]]. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is defined as a biphasic tumor with morphological characteristics of both, [[Carcinoma|carcinomatous]] and [[Sarcoma|sarcomatous]] components. Sarcomatoid cancer of the lung is a rare type of malignancy and it comprises of only 0.3% to 1.3% of cases of all lung cancers. The pathogenesis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is characterized by a rare epithelial origin, and morphologic features suggestive of a malignant mesenchymal tumor. The [[EGFR]] gene and [[Ras oncogene|K-ras]] mutations have been associated with the development of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung. The prevalence of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is approximately 0.4 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide. Common risk factors in the development of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung are [[smoking]], family history of lung cancer, exposure to high levels of air pollution, asbestos, radiation therapy to the chest, radon gas, occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens, and previous lung diseases. If left untreated, the majority of patients with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung may develop distant [[metastasis]] via the lymphogenic route. Prognosis is generally poor, even worse than other [[Non small cell lung cancer natural history#Prognosis|non-small cell carcinoma of the lung]]. The 5-year survival rate for patients with sarcomatoid cancer of the lung is 28.7%.


==Historical Perspective==
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung historical perspective|Historical Perspective]]==
*Sarcomatoid carcinoma was first described by Virchow in 1865 as a “biphasic” lesion of [[Adenocarcinoma|adenocarcinomatous]] or [[squamous cell carcinoma]] with spindle cell or giant cell component.<ref>{{cite book |last=Virchow |first=Rudolf |date=1863 |title=Die KRANKHAFTEN GESCHWÜLSTE |volume=2 |url=https://collections.nlm.nih.gov/catalog/nlm:nlmuid-62231840R-mvset |access-date=1864}}</ref>
*In 1981, World Health Organization (WHO) classification on lung cancers, mentioned pleomorphic carcinomas showing a prevalence of spindle or giant cells as  morphologic variants of squamous cell carcinomas and large-cell carcinomas, respectively, and defined carcinosarcomas as biphasic tumors consisting of an intimate admixture of carcinoma and sarcoma.<ref name="pmid6978190">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sobin LH |title=The international histological classification of tumours |journal=Bull. World Health Organ. |volume=59 |issue=6 |pages=813–9 |date=1981 |pmid=6978190 |pmc=2396133 |doi= |url=}}</ref>


==Classification==
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung classification|Classification]]==
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung can be classified according to WHO classification into 5 subtypes:<ref name="pmid6978190">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sobin LH |title=The international histological classification of tumours |journal=Bull. World Health Organ. |volume=59 |issue=6 |pages=813–9 |date=1981 |pmid=6978190 |pmc=2396133 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="BrambillaTravis2001" />
*Pleomorphic carcinoma
*Spindle cell carcinoma
*Giant cell carcinoma
*Carcinosarcoma
*Pulmonary blastoma


Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung can also be classified according to their location including:<ref name="BrambillaTravis2001" />
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung pathophysiology|Pathophysiology]]==
*Central
*Peripheral


==Pathophysiology==
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung causes|Causes]]==
*The pathogenesis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is characterized by a rare epithelial origin and morphologic features suggestive of a malignant [[Mesenchyme|mesenchymal]] tumor.<ref name="BrambillaTravis2001" /><ref name="pmid20073605">{{cite journal |vauthors=Franks TJ, Galvin JR |title=Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: histologic criteria and common lesions in the differential diagnosis |journal=Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. |volume=134 |issue=1 |pages=49–54 |year=2010 |pmid=20073605 |doi=10.1043/2008-0547-RAR.1 |url=}}</ref>
*The [[EGFR]] and [[K-ras]] gene mutations have been associated with the development of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.<ref name="BillahStewart2011">{{cite journal|last1=Billah|first1=Shahreen|last2=Stewart|first2=John|last3=Staerkel|first3=Gregg|last4=Chen|first4=Su|last5=Gong|first5=Yun|last6=Guo|first6=Ming|title=EGFR and KRAS mutations in lung carcinoma|journal=Cancer Cytopathology|volume=119|issue=2|year=2011|pages=111–117|issn=1934662X|doi=10.1002/cncy.20151}}</ref>
*Four major hypotheses may explain sarcomatoid neoplasms:<ref name="pmid8772780">{{cite journal |vauthors=Thompson L, Chang B, Barsky SH |title=Monoclonal origins of malignant mixed tumors (carcinosarcomas). Evidence for a divergent histogenesis |journal=Am. J. Surg. Pathol. |volume=20 |issue=3 |pages=277–85 |date=March 1996 |pmid=8772780 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid200736052">{{cite journal |vauthors=Franks TJ, Galvin JR |title=Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: histologic criteria and common lesions in the differential diagnosis |journal=Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. |volume=134 |issue=1 |pages=49–54 |date=January 2010 |pmid=20073605 |doi=10.1043/2008-0547-RAR.1 |url=}}</ref>
**'''The embryonic rest hypothesis:''' This theory suggests that sarcomatoid tumors are the result of misplaced “mini-organs” that has epithelial and stromal component.
**'''The collision hypothesis:''' This theory implies separate but concomitant [[Proliferation|malignant proliferation]] of [[epithelium]] and [[mesenchyme]].
**'''The stromal induction/metaplasia hypothesis:''' This theory suggests that sarcomatous elements are an atypical response to the growth of a carcinoma.
**'''Totipotential hypothesis:''' This hypothesis proposes an origin from a single totipotential stem cell that differentiates into epithelial and mesenchymal components.


===Gross Pathology<ref name="pmid12604887">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rossi G, Cavazza A, Sturm N, Migaldi M, Facciolongo N, Longo L, Maiorana A, Brambilla E |title=Pulmonary carcinomas with pleomorphic, sarcomatoid, or sarcomatous elements: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 75 cases |journal=Am. J. Surg. Pathol. |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=311–24 |date=March 2003 |pmid=12604887 |doi= |url=}}</ref>===
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung differential diagnosis|Differentiating Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung from other Diseases]]==
* Sarcomatoid carcinomas can arise centrally or peripherally.<ref name="pmid10584705">{{cite journal |vauthors=Koss MN, Hochholzer L, Frommelt RA |title=Carcinosarcomas of the lung: a clinicopathologic study of 66 patients |journal=Am. J. Surg. Pathol. |volume=23 |issue=12 |pages=1514–26 |date=December 1999 |pmid=10584705 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
* Most commonly present as poorly circumscribed solitary peripheral masses.
* Sarcomatoid carcinoma is commonly found in upper lobe of lungs.
* Tumors are large, ranging from 1 to 13 cm, with a median of 4.9 cm, and often invade the chest wall.
* Tumor consistency is described as soft and fleshy or firm, hard, or rubbery.
* Cut surfaces vary from white-grey to yellow, frequently show hemorrhagic and necrotic foci, and occasionally demonstrate cavitation.


===Microscopic Pathology===
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung epidemiology and demographics|Epidemiology and Demographics]]==
*On microscopic histopathologically sarcomatoid carcinoma is classified into 5 subtypes:<ref name="pmid19830024">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hountis P, Moraitis S, Dedeilias P, Ikonomidis P, Douzinas M |title=Sarcomatoid lung carcinomas: a case series |journal=Cases J |volume=2 |issue= |pages=7900 |date=June 2009 |pmid=19830024 |pmc=2740247 |doi=10.4076/1757-1626-2-7900 |url=}}</ref>
**'''Pleomorphic carcinoma'''
***Poorly differentiated, sarcomatoid carcinoma composed of malignant, spindle and giant cells.
***Spindle cell may vary from epithelioid to strikingly spindled and are arranged in haphazard fascicles or storiform pattern.
***Giant cells are discohesive, uni/multinucleated, have moderate to abundant, dense, eosinophilic cytoplasm which may show emperipolesis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes or lymphocytes.
***Giant cells are anaplastic, with many bizarre forms.
***Tumor cells are embedded in a fibrous or myxoid stroma.
** '''Spindle cell carcinoma'''
*** Sarcomatoid carcinoma composed only of spindle-shaped tumor cells.
** '''Giant cell carcinoma'''
*** Sarcomatoid carcinoma composed only of anaplastic, giant tumor cells.
** '''Carcinosarcoma'''
*** A mixture of carcinoma and true sarcomas such as malignant bone sarcoma, cartilage, or skeletal muscle sarcoma.
*** The carcinoma component may be squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma mixed with squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma, whereas the sarcoma component may be rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma mixed with chondrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.
** '''Pulmonary blastoma'''
*** A biphasic tumor composed of a primitive epithelial component with well-differentiated, fetal adenocarcinoma and a primitive mesenchymal stroma that may contain rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, or chondrosarcoma.


==Causes==
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung risk factors|Risk Factors]]==
There are no direct causes of sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung. However, there are a few risk factors that can lead to genetic mutation and cause sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung.
==Differentiating sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung from other Diseases==
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung must be differentiated from other diseases that cause cough, weight loss, hemoptysis, and dyspnea among adults, such as:
*[[Tuberculosis]]
*[[Adenocarcinoma of the lung]]
*Small cell carcinoma of the lung
*Pulmonary fungal disease
*[[Lung abscess]]


==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung screening|Screening]]==
===Prevalence===
* The prevalence of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is approximately 0.4 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide.<ref name="pmid20073605">{{cite journal |vauthors=Franks TJ, Galvin JR |title=Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: histologic criteria and common lesions in the differential diagnosis |journal=Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. |volume=134 |issue=1 |pages=49–54 |year=2010 |pmid=20073605 |doi=10.1043/2008-0547-RAR.1 |url=}}</ref>
*Sarcomatoid carcinoma comprises of 0.3% to 1.3% of total lung malignancies.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Travis WD |last2=Brambilla E |last3=Müller-Hermelink K |last4=Harris C |last5=Kleihues C |last6=Sobin P |title=World Health Organization Classification of Tumours; Pathology and genetics of tumors of the lung, pleura, thymus, and heart |publisher=IARC Press |orig-year=2004 |pages=53-58|chapterurl=https://www.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BB10.pdf |isbn=ISBN 92 832 2418 3}}</ref>
*The overall prevalence of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is 0.1% to 0.4% of all non-small cell lung malignancies.<ref name="BrambillaTravis2001">{{cite journal|last1=Brambilla|first1=E.|last2=Travis|first2=W.D.|last3=Colby|first3=T.V.|last4=Corrin|first4=B.|last5=Shimosato|first5=Y.|title=The new World Health Organization classification of lung tumours|journal=European Respiratory Journal|volume=18|issue=6|year=2001|pages=1059–1068|issn=0903-1936|doi=10.1183/09031936.01.00275301}}</ref>


===Age===
==[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]==
* Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is more commonly diagnosed among patients aged 65 to 75 years old.<ref name="OuzianeBoutayeb2014">{{cite journal|last1=Ouziane|first1=Imane|last2=Boutayeb|first2=Saber|last3=Mrabti|first3=Hind|last4=Lalya|first4=Issam|last5=Rimani|first5=Mouna|last6=Errihani|first6=Hassan|title=Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: A model of resistance of chemotherapy|journal=North American Journal of Medical Sciences|volume=6|issue=7|year=2014|pages=342|issn=1947-2714|doi=10.4103/1947-2714.136920}}</ref>
* Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is more commonly observed among elderly patients and adults.
* Biphasic blastoma subtype is an exception and an average age of 35 years old patients being more commonly diagnosed


===Gender===
==Diagnosis==
*Males are more commonly affected with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung than females.<ref name="PetrovVlassov2003">{{cite journal|last1=Petrov|first1=D.B|last2=Vlassov|first2=V.I|last3=Kalaydjiev|first3=G.T|last4=Plochev|first4=M.A|last5=Obretenov|first5=E.D|last6=Stanoev|first6=V.I|last7=Danon|first7=S.E|title=Primary pulmonary sarcomas and carcinosarcomas – postoperative results and comparative survival analysis|journal=European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery|volume=23|issue=4|year=2003|pages=461–466|issn=10107940|doi=10.1016/S1010-7940(03)00024-1}}</ref><ref name="RoeselTerjung2016">{{cite journal|last1=Roesel|first1=Christian|last2=Terjung|first2=Sarah|last3=Weinreich|first3=Gerhard|last4=Hager|first4=Thomas|last5=Chalvatzoulis|first5=Eleftherios|last6=Metzenmacher|first6=Martin|last7=Welter|first7=Stefan|title=Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: a rare histological subtype of non-small cell lung cancer with a poor prognosis even at earlier tumour stages|journal=Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery|year=2016|pages=ivw392|issn=1569-9293|doi=10.1093/icvts/ivw392}}</ref>
[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung diagnostic study of choice|Diagnostic study of choice]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung history and symptoms|History and Symptoms]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung physical examination|Physical Examination]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung laboratory findings|Laboratory Findings]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung electrocardiogram|Electrocardiogram]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung x ray|X-Ray Findings]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung echocardiography and ultrasound|Echocardiography and Ultrasound]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung CT scan|CT-Scan Findings]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung MRI|MRI Findings]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung other imaging findings|Other Imaging Findings]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung other diagnostic studies|Other Diagnostic Studies]]
*the male to female ratio is 4:1.<ref name="OuzianeBoutayeb2014">{{cite journal|last1=Ouziane|first1=Imane|last2=Boutayeb|first2=Saber|last3=Mrabti|first3=Hind|last4=Lalya|first4=Issam|last5=Rimani|first5=Mouna|last6=Errihani|first6=Hassan|title=Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: A model of resistance of chemotherapy|journal=North American Journal of Medical Sciences|volume=6|issue=7|year=2014|pages=342|issn=1947-2714|doi=10.4103/1947-2714.136920}}</ref>
*Biphasic blastoma subtype is an exception, that affects men and women equally.


===Race===
==Treatment==
*There is no racial predilection for sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.
[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung medical therapy|Medical Therapy]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung surgery|Surgery]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung primary prevention|Primary Prevention]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung secondary prevention|Secondary Prevention]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung cost-effectiveness of therapy|Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy]] | [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung future or investigational therapies|Future or Investigational Therapies]]


===Region===
==Case Studies==
Geographical location has no effect on epidemiology of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.
[[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung medical case study one|Case #1]]
 
==Risk Factors==
Common risk factors in the development of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung are the following:<ref name="pmid15173269">{{cite journal |vauthors=Henley SJ, Thun MJ, Chao A, Calle EE |title=Association between exclusive pipe smoking and mortality from cancer and other diseases |journal=J. Natl. Cancer Inst. |volume=96 |issue=11 |pages=853–61 |date=June 2004 |pmid=15173269 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9365295">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hackshaw AK, Law MR, Wald NJ |title=The accumulated evidence on lung cancer and environmental tobacco smoke |journal=BMJ |volume=315 |issue=7114 |pages=980–8 |date=October 1997 |pmid=9365295 |pmc=2127653 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid16155281">{{cite journal |vauthors=Freudenheim JL, Ritz J, Smith-Warner SA, Albanes D, Bandera EV, van den Brandt PA, Colditz G, Feskanich D, Goldbohm RA, Harnack L, Miller AB, Rimm E, Rohan TE, Sellers TA, Virtamo J, Willett WC, Hunter DJ |title=Alcohol consumption and risk of lung cancer: a pooled analysis of cohort studies |journal=Am. J. Clin. Nutr. |volume=82 |issue=3 |pages=657–67 |date=September 2005 |pmid=16155281 |doi=10.1093/ajcn.82.3.657 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid15322513">{{cite journal |vauthors=Boffetta P |title=Epidemiology of environmental and occupational cancer |journal=Oncogene |volume=23 |issue=38 |pages=6392–403 |date=August 2004 |pmid=15322513 |doi=10.1038/sj.onc.1207715 |url=}}</ref>
*History of cigarettes, cigars, or pipe smoking
*Secondhand or passive smoking
*Family history of lung cancer
*Genetic predisposition
*High levels of air pollution
*Radiation therapy to the chest
*Heavy alcohol consumption
*Radon gas
*Occupational exposure to silica, asbestos, uranium, arsenic, chromium, or nuclear radiation
*Previous history of lung diseases
 
== Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
*The majority of patients with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung remain are initially asymptomatic.
*Early clinical features include chronic [[cough]], [[hemoptysis]], [[dyspnea]], weight loss and [[fatigue]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Travis WD |last2=Brambilla E |last3=Müller-Hermelink K |last4=Harris C |last5=Kleihues C |last6=Sobin P |title=World Health Organization Classification of Tumours; Pathology and genetics of tumors of the lung, pleura, thymus, and heart |publisher=IARC Press |orig-year=2004 |pages=53-58|chapterurl=https://www.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BB10.pdf |isbn=ISBN 92 832 2418 3}}</ref>
*The majority of patients with central sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung may develop distant metastasis to esophagus, jejunum, rectum and kidney.
*Sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung located in the periphery of lungs tends be diagnosed later in the advanced stages with the large size and metastasis to the pleura and chest wall.
*Common complications of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung include [[respiratory failure]], [[pneumonia]], and distant metastasis.
*If left untreated Sarcomatoid carcinoma progresses to death.
*Prognosis is generally poor.<ref name="pmid22739072">{{cite journal |vauthors=Yendamuri S, Caty L, Pine M, Adem S, Bogner P, Miller A, Demmy TL, Groman A, Reid M |title=Outcomes of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database analysis |journal=Surgery |volume=152 |issue=3 |pages=397–402 |year=2012 |pmid=22739072 |doi=10.1016/j.surg.2012.05.007 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid19830024">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hountis P, Moraitis S, Dedeilias P, Ikonomidis P, Douzinas M |title=Sarcomatoid lung carcinomas: a case series |journal=Cases J |volume=2 |issue= |pages=7900 |year=2009 |pmid=19830024 |pmc=2740247 |doi=10.4076/1757-1626-2-7900 |url=}}</ref>
*According to a study, the 3-year and 5-year survival rates for patients with sarcomatoid cancer of lung are 35.8 and 28.7%.<ref name="RoeselTerjung2016">{{cite journal|last1=Roesel|first1=Christian|last2=Terjung|first2=Sarah|last3=Weinreich|first3=Gerhard|last4=Hager|first4=Thomas|last5=Chalvatzoulis|first5=Eleftherios|last6=Metzenmacher|first6=Martin|last7=Welter|first7=Stefan|title=Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: a rare histological subtype of non-small cell lung cancer with a poor prognosis even at earlier tumour stages|journal=Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery|year=2016|pages=ivw392|issn=1569-9293|doi=10.1093/icvts/ivw392}}</ref>
 
== Diagnosis ==
 
===Diagnostic Study of Choice===
* Diagnostic modality of choice for sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung is CT scan of the chest.<ref name="PurandareRangarajan20152">{{cite journal|last1=Purandare|first1=NilenduC|last2=Rangarajan|first2=Venkatesh|title=Imaging of lung cancer: Implications on staging and management|journal=Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging|volume=25|issue=2|year=2015|pages=109|issn=0971-3026|doi=10.4103/0971-3026.155831}}</ref>
 
* The definitive diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is made by immunohistochemical analysis and pathological subtyping of the specimen collected from biopsy, needle aspiration, sputum cytology or surgical resection of the tumor.<ref name="RoeselTerjung2016" />
 
=== History and Symptoms ===
Common symptoms of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung include:<ref name="pmid19830024">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hountis P, Moraitis S, Dedeilias P, Ikonomidis P, Douzinas M |title=Sarcomatoid lung carcinomas: a case series |journal=Cases J |volume=2 |issue= |pages=7900 |year=2009 |pmid=19830024 |pmc=2740247 |doi=10.4076/1757-1626-2-7900 |url=}}</ref>
*[[Shortness of breath]]
*[[Cough]]
*[[Hemoptysis]]
*[[Chest pain]]
*Weight loss
*[[Fatigue]]
*Other symptoms may be secondary to metastases to bone, contralateral lung, brain, adrenal glands, and liver.
 
=== Physical Examination ===
Physical exam findings for sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung is similar to physical exam finding of other [[Lung cancer physical examination|lung cancer]].
* Please [[Lung cancer physical examination|click here]] for physical exam finding of lung cancer.
 
=== Laboratory Findings ===
*There are no specific laboratory findings associated with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.
 
=== X-ray ===
 
An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Findings on an x-ray suggestive of lung cancer include:<ref name="JackmanJohnson2005">{{cite journal|last1=Jackman|first1=David M|last2=Johnson|first2=Bruce E|title=Small-cell lung cancer|journal=The Lancet|volume=366|issue=9494|year=2005|pages=1385–1396|issn=01406736|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67569-1}}</ref><ref name="WhittenKhan2007">{{cite journal|last1=Whitten|first1=Camilla R.|last2=Khan|first2=Sameer|last3=Munneke|first3=Graham J.|last4=Grubnic|first4=Sisa|title=A Diagnostic Approach to Mediastinal Abnormalities|journal=RadioGraphics|volume=27|issue=3|year=2007|pages=657–671|issn=0271-5333|doi=10.1148/rg.273065136}}</ref><ref name="PurandareRangarajan2015">{{cite journal|last1=Purandare|first1=NilenduC|last2=Rangarajan|first2=Venkatesh|title=Imaging of lung cancer: Implications on staging and management|journal=Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging|volume=25|issue=2|year=2015|pages=109|issn=0971-3026|doi=10.4103/0971-3026.155831}}</ref>
* An obvious mass
* Widening of the [[mediastinum]]
* [[Atelectasis]]
* Consolidations
* [[Pleural effusion]]
* [[Mediastinum|Mediastinal]] [[lymphadenopathy]]
* Lung [[Nodule (medicine)|nodules]]
 
=== CT scan ===
 
*CT scan of chest is the imaging investigation of choice for sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.<ref name="PurandareRangarajan20152" />
*CT scan is useful in diagnosing the tumor and also to rule out any possible metastasis.
*CT scan finding of sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung is similar to CT scan finding of lung cancer.
**For more information on CT scan finding of lung cancer [[Lung cancer CT|click here]].
*On CT, sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is characterized by the following findings:
**Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung may arise from center or the peripheral part of the lung
**Usually measure approximately 5 cm in diameter
**Mixed density
**Perihilar and mediastinal involvement
**Ground glass opacity
**Rapid growth
* For more information on PET-CT findings of lung cancer, [[Lung cancer other diagnostic studies|click here]].
 
=== Other Diagnostic Studies ===
*The definitive diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is made by immunohistochemical analysis and pathological subtyping of the specimen collected from biopsy, needle aspiration, sputum cytology or surgical resection of the tumor.<ref name="RoeselTerjung2016" />
*Specimen for immunohistochemical analysis and pathological subtyping may be collected by transthoracic needle biopsy, bronchoscopy with biopsy, surgical resection, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and rarely sputum cytology.
'''Biopsy'''
*Biopsy findings associated with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung will depend on the histopathological subtypes.<ref name="pmid6978190" />
**For more information, see [[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung#Microscopic Pathology|microscopic pathology]].
'''Immunohistochemical Staining'''
* Sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung may be positive for the following immunohistochemical markers: <ref name="pmid27569293">{{cite journal |vauthors=Weissferdt A, Kalhor N, Rodriguez Canales J, Fujimoto J, Wistuba II, Moran CA |title=Spindle cell and pleomorphic ("sarcomatoid") carcinomas of the lung: an immunohistochemical analysis of 86 cases |journal=Hum. Pathol. |volume=59 |issue= |pages=1–9 |date=January 2017 |pmid=27569293 |doi=10.1016/j.humpath.2016.08.003 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24331839">{{cite journal |vauthors=Terra SB, Aubry MC, Yi ES, Boland JM |title=Immunohistochemical study of 36 cases of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma--sensitivity of TTF-1 is superior to napsin |journal=Hum. Pathol. |volume=45 |issue=2 |pages=294–302 |date=February 2014 |pmid=24331839 |doi=10.1016/j.humpath.2013.09.005 |url=}}</ref>
** CAM5.2, CK7, thyroid transcription factor 1(TTF-1), napsin A, AE1/AE3, WT1, calretinin, Sox2, CK5/6, p40, S-100, desmin, SMAD2-40 and/or desmocollin 3.
* Pleomorphic, spindle and/or giant cell carcinoma may show findings positive for component of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or large cell carcinoma.
* In case of poorly differentiated pleomorphic, spindle and/or giant cell carcinoma markers for epithelial components such as keratin antibodies and EMA (epithelial membrane marker).
* Pleomorphic, spindle and/or giant cell carcinoma may also be positive for cytokeratin, vimentin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and smooth muscle markers.
* Giant cell carcinomas may be positive for TTF-1.
* Carcinosarcomas may be positive for keratin antibodies.
* Variants of carcinosarcoma sub type such as chondrosarcoma may be positive for S-100 protein and rhabdomyosarcoma for muscle markers.
 
== Treatment ==
=== Medical Therapy ===
*The medical therapy of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung depends on the staging of the tumor.
*Medical therapy for sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung is similar to medical therapy of other non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.
*For more information regarding medical therapy of sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung [[Lung cancer medical therapy|click here]].
 
=== Surgery===
*Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.
*Surgical therapy for sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is similar to surgical therapy of other non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.
*For more information on surgical therapy of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung [[Lung cancer surgery#Chemotherapy for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer|click here]].
 
=== Prevention ===
*Effective measures for the primary prevention of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung include CT screening.
*For information regarding current [[lung cancer screening]] guidelines [[Lung cancer screening|click here]].
 
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
   
   
[[Category: Oncology]]
[[Category: Oncology]]

Latest revision as of 20:47, 3 January 2019

Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Lung Microchapters

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Trusha Tank, M.D.[2], Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [3]

Synonyms and keywords: Primary sarcoma of the lung; Lung sarcoma; Sarcomatoid tumor of the lung; Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic study of choice | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | X-Ray Findings | Echocardiography and Ultrasound | CT-Scan Findings | MRI Findings | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

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Case #1