2023 Volume 36 Issue 2 Pages 172-177
Spindle cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor with both a squamous cell carcinoma component and sarcomatoid growth of spindle-shaped cells, and is classified as a subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. Spindle cell carcinoma accounts for 0.4% to 4% of all squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, and frequently involved sites include the oral cavity and larynx. In this study, we describe six cases of spindle cell carcinoma in the head and neck, with a review of the literature. The ages of the patients ranged from 59 to 86 years; three were male and three were female. The primary site was tongue in 3 cases, maxilla in 1 case, and mandible in 2 cases. Surgery was performed in all 6 patients, and 2 of them died due to early local recurrence.
Compared to squamous cell carcinoma, spindle cell carcinoma of the oral cavity is generally associated with a poorer prognosis, and early diagnosis and surgical resection are important.
