Spindle cell carcinoma (pseudosarcoma) of the larynx

Abstract

"Pseudosarcoma", initially considered a benign response of connective tissue to an adjacent squamous carcinoma, is now regarded as a spindle cell variant of epidermoid carcinoma. Nine cases of spindle cell carcinoma of the larynx are presented. Characteristically, the lesion appears as a large, gray, polypoid tumor. In contrast to other reports, a correlation between gross morphology and prognosis could not be made. The prognosis is more closely related to the size and location of the tumor. Biopsy specimens of the tumors in seven of the nine cases showed only the spindle cell pattern. This may be confused with granulation tissue. Spindle cell carcinoma was metastatic to the neck and lungs in three patients. Our average follow-up time was 3.8 years with two of the nine patients dying of recurrent disease. Most of our patients were successfully treated with conservation surgery.