Carcinosarcoma of the esophagus: a case report and review of the literature.

A case of carcinosarcoma of the esophagus and a review of literature are presented. The pertinent clinical and pathological data are summarized. There have been 51 reported cases of which 31 underwent surgical resection of the lesion; there have been three five-year survivors. Although the cumulative experience with this malignancy is limited, it is apparent that the presentation and clinical course of this tumor is not substantially different from the more common squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the diagnostic and therapeutic management should not vary from that of any malignant esophageal lesion.