2015 Volume 144 Pages 102-103
We report two cases of spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC), one of the maxillary sinus and another of the larynx. SpCC is extremely rare in the head and neck region, especially in the paranasal sinuses. It has been reported that the larynx, oral cavity, and pharynx are the sites of predilection of this cancer in the head and neck.
Case 1 (66-year-old, male) was initially diagnosed as having squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the maxillary sinus (cT4aN2cM0). An extensive operation was performed via a lateral rhinotomy approach, with reconstruction performed after induction chemotherapy. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed the diagnosis of SpCC. Case 2 (66-year-old, male) with SCC of the larynx (cT1bN0M0) was administered radiation therapy at 66 Gy. However, the tumor recurred locally two years after completion of the radiation therapy, and cordectomy was performed. However, a local recurrence was detected again after two years, and finally SpCC was diagnosed and total laryngectomy was performed. Both patients are doing well until date, without any evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis.
SpCC is defined as a biomorphic carcinoma that contains both squamous cell and spindle cell components. Therefore, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as SCC in small biopsies. However, it is reported as a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis, therefore, biopsies of adequate depth and size are recommended for precise diagnosis of SpCC.
