Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: report of two cases

To present two patients with basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, a rare, highly aggressive variant of the squamous cell carcinoma.

Surgical excision of the polypoid tumor of the anterior comissure of the larynx was performed in a 62 year-old male, and in the second case, total laryngectomy with radical dissection of the neck was performed in a 66 year-old male with supraglottic tumor of the larynx and enlarged lymph nodes of the neck. Histopathological analysis of biopsy specimens was performed on routine hematoxylin-eosin stained sections and on sections stained with antibodies to cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, and chromogranin.

In both cases, the tumors were composed of moderately pleomorphic basaloid cells forming nests, cords, and cribriform patterns with foci of necrosis, squamous differentiation, and small cystic spaces containing mucin-like material. Surface mucosa showed squamous dysplasia. Cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen were positive. After surgery, both patients recieved radiotherapy and had no signs of tumor recurrence or metastases 12 and 15 months later, respectively.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma has a potential for diagnostic confusion because of its basaloid and squamous component. It should be distinguished from adenoid cystic carcinoma that is much less aggressive.