Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: analysis of 145 cases with comparison to conventional squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare subtype squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that frequently occurs in the larynx. BSCC is generally considered an aggressive SCC variant; however, because of its rarity, most studies are underpowered to detect statistical differences in disease-specific survival (DSS). Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we compared clinicopathologic data and DSS between patients with laryngeal BSCC and SCC. Patients with relative SCC, those with laryngeal BSCC, presented with more advanced local, regional, and distant disease (p < .001). Patients with BSCC had worse DSS, regardless of stage, tumor location within the larynx (glottis/supraglottis; p < .001), or treatment received (p ≤ .052). Analysis of the largest laryngeal BSCC series to date (n = 145) demonstrates that BSCC carries a worse prognosis than conventional SCC of the larynx.