Abstract
Purpose: Carcinosarcomas are rare neoplasms in which both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal elements are identified. We have found only twenty one cases of primary cutaneous carcinosarcoma in the English language literature. Therefore it has been difficult to diagnosis because its unclear etiology and low frequency. Methods: A 31-year-old young man with a protruding mass on his ankle dorsum was examined. The tumor was $7{\times}6{\times}3\;cm$ sized and arose from a burn scar. The mass was wide excised and applied split thickness skin graft. Characteristic pathologic finding was a mixture of squamous cell carcinoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Results: Three months after the operation, the patient died of multiple metastasis to the liver, lung and finally of sepsis despite adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusion: If a metastatic cutaneous carcinosarcoma is diagnosed, wide excision is required. There should be more aggressive management to minimize the risk of recurrence. Further research into the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease and a more careful differential diagnosis may allow improvement in treatment.
