BACKGROUNDPulmonary carcinosarcoma (PCS) is a rare pulmonary mixed malignant tumor. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 48 patients with PCS.

METHODSThe data of 48 patients with PCS from 1986 to 2004 were analysed retrospectively. Then their prognostic factors were analysed statistically.

RESULTSPCS occurred usually in males over 50 years old, often in the right lungs. The clinical and radiographic characteristics of PCS were similar to primary non-small cell lung cancer. Its diagnosis was mainly verified by postoperative pathologic findings and immunohistochemical staining. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate was 77.1%, 49.5% and 22.7% respectively. The multivariate prognosis analysis and Chi-square test showed that TNM stage was an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONSTNM stage is an independent prognostic factor for PCS, so it is necessary to operate surgically in early stage to prolong the survival time of patients.