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.