Gastric stump carcinosarcoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation

Abstract

Gastric carcinosarcoma is an unusual tumor and its occurrence in the gastric stump is extremely rare. A report is presented here of a unique case of gastric stump carcinosarcoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation in a 74-year-old man. The patient had undergone partial gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II method) 30 years previously. The tumor had both adenocarcinoma and sarcoma components, and an immunohistochemical study suggested a focal transition between these components. The main sarcomatous components showed fibrosarcomatous features with a scattered distribution of rounded tumor cells, whose rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation was immunohistochemically determined. Ultrastructural examination supported the rhabdomyosarcomatous natures. Experience with the present tumor indicates that carcinosarcoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation can occur in the gastric stump and that this disease is capable of aggressive behavior.