Spindle Cell Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: A Rare Variant at an Even Rarer Location

Abstract

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is an unusual variant of squamous cell carcinoma (S.C.C.) of the head and neck region. It is a rare biphasic neoplasm. SpCC is an unusual morphological variant of S.C.C. It is characterized by the presence of both carcinomatous as well as sarcomatous component and accounts for 2 to 3% of all the S.C.C.s. Seven years ago, the W.H.O. classification has placed this tumor under the malignant epithelial tumors and called it SpCC. The histogenesis of spindle cells remains controversial and is believed to be monoclonal epithelial neoplasia with a close association with squamous carcinoma cells. Since SpCC is a rare tumor, its histopathological diagnosis is often very complex. Immunohistochemistry (I.H.C.) supports the epithelial nature of this tumor. Both neoplasia components possess immunoreactivity for cytokeratin and vimentin. We are presenting a case of a middle-aged man who was diagnosed with this rare variant at an even rarer location.