Study on the so-called «Pseudosarcoma» Associated with Carcinoma of the Larynx

Abstract

On the basis of two personal observations of the so-called « pseudosarcoma » associated with carcinoma of the larynx, the literature on this subject is reviewed. The clinical behaviour and pathological findings of these cases and the data emerging from literature show the existence of two types of « pseudosarcoma ». The first type is characterized by macroscopical polypoid morphology and very atypical sarcomatous pattern, in which, however, some characters of the granulation tissue are detectable; the carcinomatous component is very incospicuous and frequently in situ. The second type is characterized by a vegetant non polypoid fibrosarcoma-like stromal proliferation; transitional aspects between the epithelial cells of the squamous-cell carcinoma, and the spindle cells of stromal component are present. The first type of «pseudosarcoma» pursues comparatively benign clinical course, while the second shows clinical behaviour like usual forms of the laryngeal invasive carcinoma.