Table of Contents
Does melanoma have spindle cells?
Spindle cell melanoma (SCM) is a rare subtype of malignant melanoma composed of spindled neoplastic cells arranged in sheets and fascicles (1). The diagnosis of SCM is challenging, as SCM may occur anywhere on the body and frequently mimics amelanotic lesions, including scarring and inflammation (2–4).
How common is spindle cell melanoma?
The actual incidence of spindle cell melanoma is unknown. Studies have suggested that between 1% and 14% of melanomas are of the spindle cell variant (including desmoplastic melanoma) [2,3]. Spindle cell melanomas more commonly occur in Caucasian men, affecting men and women at a ratio of 1.6:1–1.9:1 respectively.
Are spindle cell tumors always cancerous?
Spindle cell lesions of the head and neck are quite diverse with great clinical and biological heterogeneity. Some are malignant while many others are benign or simply reactive in nature.
Is desmoplastic melanoma the same as spindle cell melanoma?
Desmoplastic melanoma is currently defined as a subtype of spindle cell melanoma;1 however, the term spindle cell melanoma can either serve as an umbrella term for the spindle cell and desmoplastic melanoma category, might be applied as a descriptive diagnosis for a conventional melanoma with prominent spindle cells.
What is spindle cell carcinoma?
Spindle cell carcinoma represents a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma, characterized by spindled tumor cells that simulate a sarcoma but are epithelial in nature. The tumor can arise anywhere within the upper aerodigestive tract, with a predilection for the larynx and oral cavity.
What does spindle cell mean?
(SPIN-dul sel TOO-mer) A type of tumor that contains cells called spindle cells, based on their shape. Under a microscope, spindle cells look long and slender. Spindle cell tumors may be sarcomas or carcinomas.
Does spindle cell carcinoma spread?
As with all cancers, spindle cell sarcoma can spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.