[Myofibroblastic sarcoma of the larynx : a case report and review]

Sarcomas of the Larynx: One Institution's Experience and Treatment Protocol Analyses

Soft tissue sarcomas in the head and neck are rare malignancies. They occur in this area in less than 1% of all malignant tumors. Some authors have described the development of sarcoma from the mesenchymal tissue in the larynx. The histological diagnosis of a sarcoma depends on the immunohistochemical investigation. In particularly difficult diagnoses, electron microscopy has to be used. The treatment recommendation depends on the histological type of sarcoma. We analysed and summarized data on the diagnostic criteria and therapy for sarcoma of the larynx presented in the literature. We present three new cases of laryngeal sarcoma and describe the analyses of the published diagnostic and treatment schedules of laryngeal sarcomas. We developed a treatment protocol recommendation for laryngeal sarcoma based on an analysis of literature data and case reports. This recommendation is based on histological type, staging, grading, size, and survival data.

LOW-GRADE MYOFIBROBLASTIC SARCOMA OF THE LARYNX: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a very rare, atypical myofibroblastic tumor with fibromatosis-like features with predilection mostly in head and neck region. LGMS occurs primarily in adult patients with a slight male predominance. Only few cases of LGMS affecting the larynx have been reported in literature to this date. We describe a case of low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the larynx in a 40-year-old male patient. The clinicopathological characteristics, immunohistochemical findings and treatment are discussed.

Ultrastructurally confirmed myofibrosarcoma: a series of 10 new cases, with a discussion on diagnostic criteria

Some view ultrastructure as key to myofibrosarcoma diagnosis, whereas others argue that electron microscopy is too little used in contemporary practice to be considered an important diagnostic tool. These views are discussed in the context of 10 ultrastructurally confirmed cases of myofibrosarcoma, some occurring at rare sites such as skin and penis. Patient age ranged from 21 to 83 years, with a 6:4 male to female ratio. Size ranged from 2 to 7.5 cm and all had infiltrative margins. Histologically, all consisted of variably cellular fascicles of spindle cells with mild to moderately pleomorphic nuclei, small punctate nucleoli, and eosinophilic cytoplasm. All cases showed α-smooth muscle actin positivity and 2 showed very focal weak positivity for desmin. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells contained rough endoplasmic reticulum, mainly peripheral smooth-muscle myofilaments, and fibronectin fibrils or fibronexus junctions at the cell surface. The most confident diagnosis of myofibrosarcoma is provided by ultrastructural examination. However, given the right histological appearance, use of a panel of antibodies that includes α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, and h-caldesmon, serves as an acceptable practical way of diagnosing myofibrosarcoma.