Primary adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma metastatic to the lung: Case report and review of the literature

Zhu,Chuangzhi; Zheng,Aiping; Mao,Xiangming; Shi,Bentao; Li,Xianxin

doi:10.3892/ol.2016.4342

Primary adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma metastatic to the lung: Case report and review of the literature

Authors:
- Chuangzhi Zhu
- Aiping Zheng
- Xiangming Mao
- Bentao Shi
- Xianxin Li
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Affiliations: Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China, Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
Published online on: March 17, 2016 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2016.4342
Pages: 3117-3122

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Abstract

Adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare adrenal carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, only 11 cases have been reported since 1987. Adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma presents a diagnostic challenge due to its atypical symptoms and histological patterns. At the time of diagnosis, a large percentage of patients are already at the metastatic stage and succumb within a few months. The present study reports a case of a 59‑year‑old man presenting with asthenia and weight loss with adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma metastatic to the lung. A computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonography of the patient's abdomen suggested a large homogeneous mass in the right adrenal gland, and a CT scan of his chest suggested lung metastasis. Right adrenalectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed that the tumor was composed of sarcomatous and carcinomatous differentiation elements. Immunohistochemical examination revealed tumor cell positivity for vimentin and cytokeratin. At the 6‑month follow‑up the patient exhibited no disease progression and refused further proposed treatment. The patient was alive at the time of writing the current report. The present case report additionally reviews the literature, for the purpose of raising awareness of these rare lesions and assisting in achieving accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.

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