Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Mandible: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare biphasic malignancy with an epithelial and mesenchymal component. Given its histological particularity, the diagnosis of this tumor still represents a challenge for pathologists and surgeons. Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the mandible is a very rare and aggressive entity. To date, only sporadic cases have been reported in the literature. Aim: To report a rare case of aggressive mandibular sarcomatoid carcinoma treated with radical surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation, and discuss the related literature. Case Report: We introduce a rare case of mandibular sarcomatoid carcinoma occurring in a 34-year-old woman. Treatment consisted of radical surgery and re-excision for positive margins, adjuvant radiation therapy (66 Gy in 33 fractions in simultaneous integrated boost delivered using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy) and Cisplatin-based concurrent chemotherapy. The tumor displayed aggressive behavior and high metastatic potential, causing tumour recurrence and extensive lung metastasis. Conclusion: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the mandible is an extremely rare malignant entity, with a high tendency for local recurrence, distant metastasis. Treatment involves radical surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation, although the outcome and prognosis might be poor.