Carcinosarcoma (CS) of the breast is a rare, poorly differentiated, malignant tumor which represents less than 0.1% of all breast cancers. It is strictly defined as a mixed, biphasic neoplasm consisting of a carcinomatous component combined with a malignant nonepithelial element of mesenchymal origin. We present a female patient with breast CS. Relevant literature is briefly reviewed. A 65-year-old-woman was admitted for the management of a palpable mass of the left breast. Mammography depicted a high-density mass with marginal irregularity and pleomorphic calcification. Subsequent excisional biopsy revealed a biphasic metaplastic breast carcinoma, and the patient underwent a left-modified radical mastectomy. The final histopathologic diagnosis was defined as a metaplastic breast carcinoma of CS type, with a squamous cell epithelial component of intermediate and mainly low-grade differentiation. Recent case series describe CS as an uncommon lesion demonstrating an intimate admixture of adenocarcinoma and sarcoma. Current data represent further evidence of the dedifferentiation theory in the origin of CS as it runs a very aggressive course and bears an ominous prognosis. The tumor is characterized by intermingled carcinomatous and sarcomatous areas resembling leaf-like structures of phyllodes pattern. Associated cumulative 5-year survival rate is estimated at 49%.
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