Lung Sarcomatoid Carcinoma: An Intriguing Case Report of a Rare Malignancy

Abstract

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is a rare primary malignant tumor belonging to the group of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The diagnosis requires proper tumor sampling to exclude sarcoma, which is the main differential diagnosis. However, the prognosis of these tumors is poor, with a median survival rate lower than other NSCLC cases, mainly due to their aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy, especially platinum salts. In this report, we discuss a case of a 62-year-old male patient who presented at admission with hemoptysis and dyspnea. The diagnosis process involved thoracic computed tomography (CT) and fiberoptic bronchoscopy, which revealed tissue thickening at the carina and a mass extending from the lower end of the trachea to the carina, which was confirmed by biopsy. Unfortunately, despite receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy and having endotracheal prosthesis, the patient succumbed to tumor progression. Our case highlights the aggressive nature of this tumor and underscores the importance of early detection.