[Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of pulmonary carcinosarcoma (a report of 48 cases)].

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary 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.

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

RESULTS: PCS 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.

CONCLUSIONS: TNM 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.