Histopathological variants of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: A multicenter study in Latin America

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Silveira, Heitor Albergoni ; Martins, Karina Helen ; Anbinder, Ana Lia ; Santos, Thais Aguiar ; Barros, Elton Fernandes ; Alves, Pollianna Muniz ; Nonaka, Cassiano Francisco Weege ; Mesquita, Ana Terezinha Marques ; Dominguete, Matheus Henrique Lopes ; Dias, Rafael Rodrigues ; Diaz, Katya Pulido ; Cuadra-Zelaya, Florence Juana Maria ; Andrade, Bruno Augusto Benevenuto de ; Massucato, Elaine Maria Sgavioli ; Bufalino, Andreia ; Moreira, Thales Peres Candido ; Silva, Anderson Tangerino Ferreira da ; Campos, Ana Carla ; Reyes, Magdalena Raquel Torres ; Brunaldi, Mariangela Ottoboni ; Chahud, Fernando ; Leon, Jorge Esquiche

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ANNALS OF DIAGNOSTIC PATHOLOGY; v. 80, p. 17-pg., 2026-02-01.

Resumo

Histopathological variants of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are uncommon and account for approximately 5-15 % of all HNSCC cases. Owing to their heterogeneous clinicopathological characteristics, a correct diagnosis can be challenging. We aimed to analyze the clinicopathological, histochemical (HC), immunohistochemical (IHC), and in situ hybridization (ISH) findings of HNSCC variants in a Latin American population. In total, 1415 HNSCCs were retrospectively evaluated in accordance with the 2023 World Health Organization criteria. Sixty-six (4.6 %) HNSCC variants were identified, including verrucous carcinoma (VC, n = 21), basaloid SCC (BSCC, n = 13), spindle cell SCC (SCSCC, n = 8), adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC, n = 6), clear cell SCC (CCSCC, n = 4), cuniculatum carcinoma (CC, n = 4), lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LC, n = 3), papillary SCC (PSCC, n = 2), acantholytic SCC (ASCC, n = 2), pigmented SCC (PigSCC, n = 2), and carcinoma with rhabdoid phenotype (CRP, n = 1). Histomorphology, supported by IHC (mainly p53 and Ki-67), allows the diagnosis of most cases of VC, CC, PSCC, ASCC, and PigSCC. Mutant-type p53 pattern is common in BSCCs. SCSCC diagnosis requires IHC to highlight the epithelial phenotype in most cases, almost all of which exhibit a mutant-type p53 pattern. Human papillomavirus-associated BSCC and SCSCC are rare. HC analysis supported by IHC is relevant for most ASC and CCSCC diagnoses. Owing to the inflammatory component, IHC may be crucial for highlighting LC cells, with potential Epstein-Barr virus infection. CRP diagnosis relies on IHC and ISH findings in strict clinical correlation. Therefore, detailed clinicopathological characterization of HNSCC variants is fundamental because it provides valuable data with diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic impacts. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/11419-0 - Correlação clinicopatológica do grau de diferenciação, expressão de tetraspaninas, agentes virais e proliferação celular em uma ampla série de carcinomas espinocelulares da região de cabeça e pescoço.
• Beneficiário: Jorge Esquiche León
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 18/12734-2 - Caracterização imunoistoquímica comparativa de subgrupos de células dendríticas e oncogênese viral no carcinoma espinocelular oral e orofaríngeo
• Beneficiário: Heitor Albergoni da Silveira
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Mestrado
• Processo FAPESP: 22/12760-9 - Correlação clinicopatológica do sistema imune, diferenciação celular, angiogênese, metabolismo lipídico e HPV transcricionalmente ativo em uma ampla série de carcinomas espinocelulares da região de cabeça e pescoço
• Beneficiário: Jorge Esquiche León
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular