Prognostic significance of sinus histiocytosis in metastatic laryngeal cancer.

A histopathologic analysis of regional lymph node specimens in 48 patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx was performed to determine which parameters, if any, correlated with 3-year patient survival. The presence of sinus histiocytosis in lymph nodes containing metastatic squamous cell carcinoma was statistically related to survival (P < .007). Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent significance of this variable compared to tumor stage, nodal status, and extracapsular spread from lymph nodes. Previous studies have linked improved survival with an active immunologic response in head and neck cancer patients. However, few studies have examined a homogeneous group of patients who all underwent the same type of treatment. This study's findings support the concept that an active immunologic response in lymph nodes has prognostic significance in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.