Malignant spindle cell neoplasm

MyPathologyReport
June 23, 2023

What is a malignant spindle cell neoplasm?

A malignant spindle cell neoplasm is a cancerous tumour made up of spindle-shaped cells, long thin cells that resemble cells normally found in connective tissue. The term malignant spindle cell neoplasm is a descriptive diagnosis used to describe a wide variety of cancer types made up of spindle-shaped cells. For example, many types of sarcomas are made up of spindle cells and these tumours are often described as malignant spindle cell neoplasms. However, some types of carcinomas can also be made up of spindle cells, in particular spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma.

When is the diagnosis of malignant spindle cell neoplasm made?

This diagnosis is often used when there is not enough tissue to render a more definitive diagnosis (such as after a biopsy) or when the features do not allow the tumour to be put in a more specific diagnostic category.

Is a malignant spindle cell neoplasm a type of cancer?

Yes. A malignant spindle cell neoplasm is a cancerous tumour made up of spindle-shaped cells.

What causes a malignant spindle cell neoplasm?

The cause of a malignant spindle cell neoplasm depends on the location of the tumour and the type of cell that gave rise to the tumour. For example, many malignant spindle cell neoplasms are a type of sarcoma and these tumours often contain genetic alterations that cause normal cells to change into cancerous cells over time. Malignant spindle cell neoplasms made up of squamous cells, however, are often caused by environmental factors such as excessive sun exposure, tobacco smoking, and alcohol abuse.

What are some common types of malignant spindle cell neoplasms?

There are many types of cancers that can be classified as malignant spindle cell neoplasms due to their characteristic spindle-shaped cell morphology.

Common types of malignant spindle cell neoplasms include:

• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST): Gastrointestinal stromal tumour is a type of tumour that develops in the gastrointestinal tract, commonly in the stomach or small intestine. The tumour is often composed of spindle cells and is typically driven by activating mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes.
• Sarcomas: Sarcomas are a diverse group of cancers that arise from connective tissues, including muscle, bone, fat, blood vessels, and other soft tissues. Common types of sarcomas include undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
• Spindle cell (sarcomatoid) squamous cell carcinoma: Spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that can arise in various organs, including the larynx, lungs, skin, and esophagus. It arises from squamous cells found on the surface of the tissue.