Case Report

Auricular Helix Carcinosarcoma; an Aggressive Tumor Characterized: Case Report

10.5152/imj.2013.12

  • Suat Bilici
  • Meltem Akpınar
  • Özgür Yiğit
  • Kemal Behzatoğlu

Received Date: 18.01.2012 Accepted Date: 02.04.2012 İstanbul Med J 2013;14(1):49-51

Primary cutaneous carcinoma is a dermal biphasic tumor that is more commonly encountered in the upper extremities and the head and neck region, as a result of sunshine exposure. It is a rare tumor and occurs more frequently in older males. Immunohistochemical evaluation is required for the diagnosis. The epithelial components of the tumor include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and adnexial tumors; mesenchymal components are pleomorphic sarcoma, atypical fibroxanthoma and osteosarcoma. We present a rare case where auricular helix carcinosarcoma metastasized to the parotid gland within the first year following total excision. The patient had a total parotidectomy as well as a modified radical neck dissection type II and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. In spite of the surgery and radiotherapy, the tumor had an aggressive course, with recurrence in the temporomandibular region, and the patient was lost on the 11th month of the follow-up.

Keywords: Carcinosarcoma, auricular helix, epithelial component, mesenchymal component