SPINDLE CELL CARCINOMA HOW TO
SPINDLE CELL CARCINOMA FREE

Over time, numerous studies analyzing the morphologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular features of SpCC have shown epithelial characteristics in the spindle cell population as well as marked genetic similarity between the spindled and squamous portions of biphasic tumors, clearly indicating that the spindle cell component represents divergent differentiation by what is a true carcinoma. Many different theories to explain the morphology were put forward in the past, including divergent differentiation of carcinoma cells, so-called “collision” tumors where there are two separate neoplastic clones combined in the same lesion, and the concept that squamous carcinoma “drives” the proliferation of a pseudosarcomatous stromal response. For years, the true pathophysiology of this spindled component was debated, leading to numerous alternate terms, including carcinosarcoma, pseudosarcoma, pleomorphic carcinoma, and metaplastic carcinoma, among others. SpCC is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma which has spindled or pleomorphic tumor cells which simulate a true sarcoma but are epithelial in nature.

SPINDLE CELL CARCINOMA HOW TO

Keeping this in mind, this review will cover SpCC of the UADT, drawing particularly from five main clinicopathologic studies encompassing 326 cases, review several selected non-neoplastic and benign/low grade lesions that can mimic it, and finally discuss how to differentiate SpCC from them. While it is the most common malignant lesion to present here, this certainly does not mean that what is sitting on your microscope stage tomorrow morning is not a rare mucosal presentation of one of these other lesions. This is what makes SpCC one of the most interesting and challenging of all head and neck tumors. The spindle cell or sarcomatoid component of this tumor can mimic numerous other reactive, benign, and malignant lesions (Table 1). The most common spindle cell lesion presenting along the UADT mucosa is spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC), which has many unique and challenging clinical and pathologic features. Spindle cell lesions can occur in head and neck skin, in the soft tissues of the scalp, orbit, and neck, and along the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) mucosa. Some are malignant while many others are benign or simply reactive in nature. In this instance, there may not be enough tissue available for the pathologist to make a final diagnosis and then the term spindle-cell neoplasm is used to provide a preliminary diagnosis that your doctors may use to start planning your care.Spindle cell lesions of the head and neck are quite diverse with great clinical and biological heterogeneity. Pathologists often use the term spindle-cell neoplasm when describing a small tissue sample, such as a biopsy. When do pathologists use the term spindle-cell neoplasm? Some other types of cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma can also be made up entirely of spindle cells. Examples of sarcomas include malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, liposarcoma, osteosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, angiosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.

Cancers in this group can start anywhere in the body. Most cancerous spindle cell neoplasms are part of a large group of cancers called sarcomas. What are some examples of cancerous spindle-cell neoplasms?

SPINDLE CELL CARCINOMA FREE

While all of these are non-cancerous, some (such as fibromatosis) can grow back after being surgically removed and routine follow-up with your doctor may be necessary to make sure you remain free of tumour. Examples include schwannoma, neurofibroma, solitary fibrous tumour, spindle-cell lipoma, leiomyoma, and fibromatosis. There are many different types of non-cancerous spindle-cell neoplasms. What are some examples of non-cancerous spindle-cell neoplasms? By examining the tissue under the microscope and performing additional tests, such as immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next-generation sequencing (NGS), your pathologist will decide if the spindle cell neoplasm is benign or malignant (cancerous). There are many types of spindle-cell neoplasms that are benign (non-cancerous). Most malignant spindle-cell neoplasms are called sarcomas.Īre all spindle-cell neoplasms cancerous? Spindle-cell neoplasm is considered a general term because it includes many different types of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) growths.

A spindle-cell neoplasm is a general term used to describe an abnormal growth (a neoplasm) made up of spindle cells (cells that are longer than they are wide).

Spindle cell carcinoma