POLYPOIDAL CARCINOSARCOMA OF THE OROPHARYNX - A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Polypoidal squamous cell carcinomas, with a sarcomatous stroma, in the upper aerodigestive tract are very rare but well described tumours. T hey are associated with a multifarious nomenclature because of differe nt opinions regarding their histology and histogenesis. The main issue is whether the stroma component is a true sarcoma or a benign reactiv e lesion. In order to draw the attention of otolaryngologists and path ologists to the characteristic features of this rare tumour, two cases originating from the oropharynx are presented. Both tumours were pedu nculated and polypoidal, and their bulk consisted of a bizarre sarcoma -like stroma covered with granulation tissue. In some areas of the sur face, however, atypical squamous cell epithelium with foci of invasive carcinoma was found. In the vicinity of the latter both tumours conta ined areas of adenocarcinoma. After surgical excision followed by radi ation therapy, there was no recurrence after two and five years, respe ctively. The histological and immunohistochemical findings support the assumption that these two tumours are carcinosarcomas. Adenocarcinoma tous elements in this type of tumour have to our kowledge been reporte d only twice previously and have never been observed in the pharynx.