PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE OF SINUS HISTIOCYTOSIS IN METASTATIC LARYNGEAL-CANCER

A histopathologic analysis of regional lymph node specimens in 48 pati ents with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx w as performed to determine which parameters, if any, correlated with 3- year patient survival. The presence of sinus histiocytosis in lymph no des containing metastatic squamous cell carcinoma was statistically re lated to survival (P<.007). Multivariate analysis confirmed the indepe ndent significance of this variable compared to tumor stage, nodal sta tus, and extracapsular spread from lymph nodes. Previous studies have linked improved survival with an active immunologic response in head a nd neck cancer patients. However, few studies have examined a homogene ous group of patients who all underwent the same type of treatment. Th is study's findings support the concept that an active immunologic res ponse in lymph nodes has prognostic significance in squamous cell carc inoma of the larynx.