Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx with Rhabdomyoblastic Heterologous Element: A Rare Form of Divergent Differentiation

Spindle cell (sarcomatoid) carcinoma of the larynx is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma that shows a prominent spindle cell component with a mesenchymal phenotype. Heterologous elements may be seen in these spindled areas and usually consist of osteosarcomatous or chondrosarcomatous differentiation. We describe an unusual spindle cell carcinoma of the vocal cord in a 68-year-old male which demonstrated rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation as confirmed by desmin and myogenin immunoreactivity. Thus rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation adds to the phenotypic spectrum of spindle cell carcinomas of the larynx and should be considered before invoking a diagnosis of true rhabdomyosarcoma of the larynx.