BACKGROUNDSarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is a rare malignant cancer with mixed tumor and sarcomatoid tissues. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical manifestations and pathological findings of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung.

METHODSData including clinical manifestations, pathological findings, treatment were retrospectively analysed from fourteen patients with lung sarcomatoid carcinoma confirmed by pathology and follow-up was carried out.

RESULTSMean age at onset was 62 years old and gender ratios (M/F) in these patients was 6:1. The clinical manifestations of lung sarcomatoid carcinoma were similar to that of other types of lung cancer while there were characteristic findings on the enhancement CT scan. Bronchofiberscopy was not a reliable examination for final diagnosis. Cells with endothelial phenotype could be detected by immunohistochemical method.

CONCLUSIONSThe final diagnosis of this disease depends on histopathological observation, while the diagnosis may be missed among patients without surgical intervention. Immunohistochemical examination is helpful for diagnosis and differential diagnosis. The therapeutic strategy is coincident with that for non-small cell lung cancer.