Spindle Cell Cells: Definition, Characteristics & Cancer Diagnosis

Spindle cells have a unique appearance and are found only in cancerous tumors. These cells are a characteristic of a specific type of dysplasia that is very rare among cancer patients. Spindle cell cancers must be diagnosed by viewing the structure of the cell under a microscope.

Definition

• Spindle cells were named for their atypical spindle-like appearance. They are characterized by elongated nuclei and ropes of collagen. These long spindle cells arise from abnormal mitosis, or cell division, leading to the development of a cancerous tumor.

Body Areas

• Spindle cell cancers start in epithelial cells, which are located the skin and lining of the internal organs. They can spread to other areas as the cancer progresses.

Types

• Spindle cell cancers includes spindle cell melanoma, which is a skin cancer; spindle cell lipoma, a cancer of the subcutaneous fat, skin or mucus membrane; and spindle cell carcinoma, which affects the larynx. There are also four types of spindle cell sarcoma, which attack the bone cells. Spindle cell cancer can metastasize to other body parts, including the breast and lung.

Cancer Prevalence

• All types of spindle cell cancers are rare, which is fortunate because prognosis is usually poor.

Treatment

• If tumors are caught in the early stages, they can be removed surgically. The ability to remove a tumor surgically also depends upon the region of the body where it's located because not all areas can afford tissue removal. Laser treatment may be an option in this case.