Carcinosarcoma of the esophagus

A case of carcinosarcoma of the esophagus is presented with a review of the classic clinical endoscopic, radiologic, and histologic features. The polypoid pattern of growth of carcinosarcoma results in early obstruction. Local invasion or metastases occur late, if at all. The diagnosis of carcinosarcoma is suggested when biopsy or cytological washings of the pedunculated lesion reveals carcinoma, since pedunculated polypoid carcinoma of the esophagus is very unusual. This neoplasm, although rare, has a better prognosis than carcinoma of the esophagus. Early recognition based on the described characteristic features is emphasized.