Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma (SSCS) is a well-documented entity but occurs rarely in the female genital tract, with only 20 reported cases in the uterine cervix. A 72 years old patient was diagnosed with a polypoid 4 cm diameter cervical tumor. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of a poorly differentiated classic keratinizing squamous carcinoma, which was associated with a well-delineated, secondary, extensive and heterogeneous sarcomatoid component. An abrupt transition between the two components was observed, with no zones of gradual transition. The positivity of the sarcoma-like component for epithelial markers (CAM5.2, AE1/AE3, CK5/6) and p16 favors a common epithelial squamous origin of both components of the lesion and an association with HPV- infection. This diagnostic immunophenotype excluded other malignant cervical tumors with a true mesenchymal component that may have different treatment and prognosis.
Muresan G, Szabo KE, Bejan L, Marian C, Boros M, Costin N, et al. Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: immunohistochemistry demonstrates an HPV-related tumor with epithelial origin. Rev Romana Med Lab. 2012;20(4):383-8