A Case Report of Spindle Cell (Sarcomatoid) Carcinoma of the Larynx

• Main Authors: Harry Boamah, Billy Ballard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2012-01-01
• Series: Case Reports in Medicine
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/370204

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) or sarcomatoid carcinoma is a highly malignant variant of squamous cell carcinoma which comprises 2% to 3% of all laryngeal cancers. It is considered to be a biphasic tumor that is composed of a squamous cell carcinoma (in situ or invasive) and spindle cell carcinoma with sarcomatous appearance. Most spindle cell tumors are polypoid and pedunculated; they are often detected at an early stage, removed by polypectomy during diagnosis, and tend to have a very good prognosis. We present a case of spindle cell carcinoma in a 67-year-old Caucasian male who presented with progressive hoarseness of his voice, dysphagia, odynophagia and a 20-pound weight loss. The patient underwent direct laryngoscopy with excision of the malignant mass and received radiation therapy. His symptoms gradually improved, and he regained good control of his voice.