Adrenal carcinosarcoma presenting in a woman with clinical signs of virilization. A case report with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings.
An adrenal carcinosarcoma is reported in a 29-year-old female presenting with clinical signs of virilization. This is the first reported case of a functioning adrenal carcinosarcoma in the English language literature. The tumor measured 12.5 cm in greatest dimension, weighed 610 g, and consisted of large areas of typical adrenal cortical carcinoma that was, however, interspersed with multiple foci of sarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcomatous elements were identified and confirmed both immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. After radical resection, the patient received adjuvant mitotane therapy but developed rapid local and metastatic recurrence. Systemic chemotherapy was unsuccessful, and the patient died 8 months after surgery.
Fischler
D F
DF
Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195-5138.
Nunez
C
C
Levin
H S
HS
McMahon
J T
JT
Sheeler
L R
LR
Adelstein
D J
DJ
D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D002296:Carcinosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012208:Rhabdomyosarcoma / Q000473:pathology; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000473:pathology; D014770:Virilism / Q000209:etiology*