Spindle cell carcinoma of the larynx.
A clinicopathologic correlation of 39 cases of a histologically biphasic malignant neoplasm of the larynx is presented. The histologic pattern of this entity was mainly that of a malignant spindle cell process, but a definite squamous cell carcinoma component was evident. Grossly the tumors were usually prominently polypoid. A morphologic transition of the squamous cell carcinomatous element into the spindle cell component was strongly suggested, supporting the contention that this entity is pathogenetically a pleomorphic or spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma. Follow-up information on 20 cases indicated a two-year mortality of 40 per cent, refuting the contention that this entity is of low-grade malignancy. Complete surgical removal of the neoplasm, with or without irradiation, offered the best therapeutic approach. Irradiation alone was unsuccessful.
D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D007825:Laryngectomy; D007830:Larynx / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D044469:Racial Groups