Carcinosarcoma Of The Parotid: Parapharyngeal Extension With Facial Nerve Palsy and Airway Obstruction

Abstract

Objective: We report an extremely rare case of carcinosarcoma of the parotid with parapharyngeal extension presenting with facial nerve palsy and airway obstruction. The patient succumbed to the disease despite surgery performed. Here, we discuss the pecularities of the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, radiology and the surgical aspects of this condition. Case report: An elderly lady with a rapidly progressing large parapharyngeal mass presented with facial nerve palsy and impending airway compromise. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed presence of sarcomatous components. Distant metastasis was excluded. Subsequently, surgical removal of the mass was performed and carcinosarcoma of the parotid gland was diagnosed. The epithelial component was predominately composed of squamous cell carcinoma whereas chondrosarcoma was the predominant stromal component.