Endobronchial carcinosarcoma. A case with osteosarcoma of pulmonary invasive part, and a review with respect to prognosis

A case of endobronchial carcinosarcoma is reported in which a small area of epidermoid carcinoma at the base of the partly necrotic, polypoid part of the tumor was found, and where the pulmonary invasive part consisted of osteosarcoma. To our knowledge such a case has not been published before. In the literature 23 cases of endobronchial carcinosarcoma were found. All but one of those alive at the time of diagnosis were considered operable. The first year survival rate of the reviewed and the reported cases was 36% of all or 42% of the resected cases. The figures for bronchial carcinoma are 33% or 62% of the resected cases. The pre- and post-operative mortality for endobronchial carcinosarcoma was 23%. Because follow-up was too short, the 5 year survival rate cannot be estimated. Features common to pulmonary sarcoma and pseudosarcoma of the upper respiratory tract are also discussed.