Quantitative and ultrastructural analysis of laryngeal cancer using stereological methods

PURPOSE: Laryngeal squamous cell cancer is the second common malignancy in the head and neck. This study evaluated the quantitative and ultrastructural characteristics of laryngeal cancer in order to better understanding of tumor behavior and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen specimens of laryngeal squamous cancer were evaluated using stereological method. Five specimens of healthy vocal cords were included for comparison. Parameters of epithelial, lamina propria, vascular, fibroblasts, collagen bundles and inflammatory cells were evaluated. RESULTS: Increased volume of epithelial and vascular tissue was observed in cancerous laryngeal tissue compared to normal laryngeal tissue(P < 0.05). Decrease in lamina propria volume, fibroblasts count and collagen bundles also was observed in cancerous tissue (P < 0.05). Inflammatory cells including neutrophils and lymphocytes were increased in cancerous tissue compared to non-malignant tissue(P < 0.05). Changes in inflammatory cells and epithelium are more significant than other parameters. CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of laryngeal cancer tissue using stereological method showed increased volume of epithelium, vascular tissue with concurrent decrease in lamina propria, fibroblasts, collagen bundles. Increase in inflammatory cells especially neutrophils and volume of epithelium are more significant than other tumor parameters.