Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Duodenum: A case report

Rhee, Tae Eel; Koo, Won Hoe; Roh, Jeong Ho; Cho, Chol Kyoon; Kim, Hyun Jong

Abstract

A sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract is a very rare tumor. Only limited cases have been reported in the literature. The tumor is more malignant than the usual adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Typically, when discovered, a sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine is already in a late stage of disease with a rapidly progressive course. The survival rate is markedly lower than for adenocarcinomas. Here, we report the case of a 63-year-old male patient who was referred from the Gastroenterology Department of Chonnam University Hospital. He had been suffering from a sudden onset of painless jaundice, and from weight loss for one month. The operation at our hospital was performed under a diagnosis of periampullary cancer. Whipple's operation was carried out on Dec. 14, 1998. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of a sarcomatoid carcinoma of the duodenum. This article presents that case of a sarcomatoid carcinoma of the duodenum with a brief review of the literature.