HPV-Associated Carcinosarcoma of the Anal Canal: A Rare Case Provides Insight into the Pathogenesis of These Biphasic Neoplasms

Authors

Edgar G. Fischer, Division of Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology, Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, 915 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USAFollow
Vinay K. Rai, Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, 915 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USAFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2022

Abstract

Carcinosarcomas are biphasic malignant neoplasms and are rare outside the corpus uteri. Here we report a carcinosarcoma arising in the anal canal in a 60 year-old female. This is only the fourth reported case of a carcinosarcoma arising at this site, the second reported case with molecular evidence of high risk HPV association, and the first case with reported cytogenetics analysis. The finding of high risk HPV in both the epithelial and mesenchymal components of the tumor provides important insight into the pathogenesis of the tumor, and strongly suggests that both components of this carcinosarcoma are derived from a common immature epithelial progenitor cell during tumorigenesis.

Recommended Citation

Fischer EG, Rai VK. HPV-associated carcinosarcoma of the anal canal: A rare case provides insight into the pathogenesis of these biphasic neoplasms. Pathol Res Pract. 2022 Aug;236:153992. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153992. Epub 2022 Jun 22. PMID: 35759939.