Spindle cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva
B. H. Cohen, W. R. Green, N. T. Iliff, J. B. Taxy, L. T. Schwab and Z. de la Cruz
Spindle cell carcinoma, a variant of squamous cell carcinoma, has long been
recognized in numerous tissues (including the skin, the upper respiratory
tract, the oral cavity, and the esophagus). Two cases of spindle cell
carcinoma of the conjunctiva are reported here. Histopathologic examination
of these cases shows the characteristic spindle-shaped cells in continuity
with the overlying epithelium. Electron microscopy of one case showed
desmosomes and cytoplasmic tonofibril-like material. Our direct experience
with one of these two cases has shown the malignant neoplasm to be
aggressive.
