[Therapeutic and histological features of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma s a rare, highly malignant carcinoma variant typically situated in the tongue base, supraglottis and pyriform sinus. It is usually only diagnosed at a very advanced stage due to its tendency towards submucosal growth, deep infiltration and early local and distant metastases.

PATIENTS/METHODS: The case described involves a 39-year-old man with the clinical and histopathological findings typical for this neoplasm.

RESULTS

In contrast to simple squamous cell carcinomas, the basaloid variant with its very poor prognosis calls for therapeutic decisions that give particular consideration to quality of life. It should be stressed that highly invasive surgery is justified only in exceptional cases because of the high local recurrence rate and early distant metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

The case presented shows that radio- and chemotherapeutic approaches are just as important as surgery.