Carcinosarcoma of the parotid gland: Immunohistochemical analysis with emphasis in cell cycle mitotic activity and cell adhesion molecules expression

Carcinosarcoma is a rare salivary gland neoplasm consisting of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous component. It may arises de novo or on a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma. We present a case of parotid carcinosarcoma, exhibiting features of salivary ductal adenocarcinoma (carcinomatous element) and fibrosarcoma/osteosarcoma (sarcomatous element). Immunohistochemical analysis with Ki67, p53, p27, C-KIT, bcl2, cerbB2, SMA, VIM has performed and cell adhesion molecules’ expression, E-cadherin, beta4-integrin, desmoglein-2, CD44s and ICAM-1 has been detected. In conclusion carcinosarcoma is an aggressive tumor, with a biphasic malignant neoplastic component showing characteristic immunohistochemical profile and reduced or extremely alternative CAMs expression.