Primary carcinosarcoma of the spleen

Carcinosarcomas are rare, malignant tumours normally arising from the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes and having both carcinomatous (epithelial cells) and sarcomatous (connective tissue) components. This case describes the first published case of a carcinosarcoma of the spleen presenting as microcytic anaemia. A 74 year old lady presented with a two stone weight loss and was found to have a microcytic, hypochromic anaemia. On examination there was a non-tender mass in the left upper quadrant and a CT scan demonstrated a mass arising from the spleen. She underwent a splenectomy, of which the histology confirmed carcinosarcoma. She is currently undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Although the condition is rare, it is important to be aware of this condition due to the poor prognosis and the unusual ways in which it can present.