A 65-year-old woman presents with a large polypoid mass protruding through the cervical os. Histopathology shows a tumor with both malignant epithelial and malignant mesenchymal components. According to the current WHO classification, what is the correct terminology for this tumor?
- A Sarcomatoid carcinoma
- B Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor
- C Carcinosarcoma ✓
- D Carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation
Correct answer: C. Carcinosarcoma
Explanation
Although previously called Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, the current WHO classification designates these biphasic tumors as carcinosarcomas. They are now considered metaplastic carcinomas, with the sarcomatous component deriving from the epithelial component via epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Sarcomatoid carcinoma implies a purely epithelial tumor with spindle cell features, lacking a true mesenchymal component.
Reference: WHO Classification of Tumours: Female Genital Tumours, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.