title: Carcinosarcoma: a primary cutaneous tumor with biphasic differentiation.
abstract: We present a case of a primary cutaneous carcinosarcoma (PCS). Histopathologically, PCS is defined as a biphasic tumor composed of malignant epithelial (carcinoma) and mesenchymal (sarcoma) elements. The diagnosis of PCS can be challenging, not only because of its rarity but also because superficial biopsies can result in sampling errors. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as PCS carries a higher recurrence and metastatic rate than epithelial carcinomas, thus requiring wider excision or Mohs micrographic surgery as well as closer clinical follow-up.
authors.forename: Julia M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kwan
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34520 Bob Wilson Dr, Ste 300, San Diego, CA 921230, USA. elizabeth.satter@med.navy.mil.
authors.forename: Elizabeth K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Satter
mesh_terms: D002296:Carcinosarcoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012535:Scalp; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery