Spindle‐cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa(A light and electron microscopic study of apparent sarcomatous metastasis to cervical lymph nodes)

Abstract

Two tumors of the tongue, both initially diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, recurred as spindle‐cell carcinomas which metastasized to cervical lymph nodes. In each case, a transition from squamous to spindle‐shaped cells was observed at the site of recurrence. However, only spindle‐cell elements were seen in the metastases, together with plasma cells and macrophages. Electron micrographs showed that the tumor metastasis was composed primarily of active fibroblast‐like cells which elaborated large amounts of collagen. The mesenchymal nature of the intercellular material was confirmed histochemically, and areas of calcified osteoid tissue were identified. There was a striking resemblance ultrastructurally between the metastatic tumor and the fibroblastic portion of an osteogenic sarcoma. Copyright © 1974 American Cancer Society