Collision tumor versus multiphenotypic differentiation: a case of carcinoma with features of colonic and lung primary tumors
Murthaiah, P.; Truskinovsky, A.M.; Shah, S.; Dudek, A.Z.
Anticancer Research 29(5): 1495-1497
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 19443356 Document Number: 635162
Collision tumors are rare tumors composed of two histologically distinct neoplasms coinciding at the same location. Collision tumors need to be distinguished from tumors originating from a progenitor cell with potential for multiphenotypic differentiation. A clinically puzzling case of an intricate malignant pulmonary nodule in a patient with previous history of colorectal carcinoma is reported. A brief review of the clinical literature on collision tumor and tumor stem cells is presented. This case report emphasizes the importance of detailed histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses, and clinical history in diagnosing a tumor composed of multiple malignant morphologies.