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What Is a Spindle Cell Neoplasm?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A spindle cell neoplasm is a rare growth found in connective tissue. It contains spindle-shaped cells that multiply abnormally and can become malignant. In the early stages of malignancy, it may be possible to treat the growth successfully with surgery to excise it. As the tumor grows, it can extend into neighboring organs and becomes more difficult to treat effectively. Patients with these neoplasms may need surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation as part of treatment.

These growths can arise anywhere, but are most common in the skin and oral cavity. The spindle cell neoplasm starts with a small, discrete growth, which may be palpable as a lump under the skin. As it grows, the edges become more irregular and a cyst may develop in the middle of the growth. Metastatic growths will start spreading to neighboring organs and tissues, distributing the malignant cells throughout the body.

Patients with spindle cell neoplasm may need chemotherapy or radiation as part of the treatment.
Patients with spindle cell neoplasm may need chemotherapy or radiation as part of the treatment.

The causes of this type of cancer are not fully understood, although there are appear to be some genetic and environmental factors. One of the biggest risk factors is a history of inflammation at the site. When the body experiences inflammation, it produces large numbers of cells with a high turnover, which increases the risk that one or more cells will be cancerous. Sun-damaged skin, for example, can be a likely spot for a spindle cell neoplasm to develop because the skin is constantly trying to repair itself and some rogue cells may get through along the way.

A biopsy can be taken to examine the cells in a pathology lab to determine what they are and perform some tests to learn more about the nature of the growth.
A biopsy can be taken to examine the cells in a pathology lab to determine what they are and perform some tests to learn more about the nature of the growth.

When a patient sees a medical professional for evaluation of a spindle cell neoplasm, it may be ulcerated and heavily swollen, or might simply be demonstrating some irritation that concerns the patient. A biopsy can be taken to examine the cells in a pathology lab to determine what they are and perform some tests to learn more about the nature of the growth. This information is important for the patient’s treatment plan, as it can help a doctor determine how to proceed. The care provider may also request a medical imaging study to look into the area.

Chemotherapy involves introducing various chemicals into the body in an effort to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy involves introducing various chemicals into the body in an effort to kill cancer cells.

If possible, a spindle cell neoplasm will be surgically excised. The surgeon can send it to a pathologist to determine if the margins of the growth were successfully removed. Biopsy samples of neighboring tissues and lymph nodes can indicate whether the growth spread, which can determine whether the patient needs chemotherapy or radiation to target any remaining cancerous cells that may be present in the body.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Patients with spindle cell neoplasm may need chemotherapy or radiation as part of the treatment.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Patients with spindle cell neoplasm may need chemotherapy or radiation as part of the treatment.
    • A biopsy can be taken to examine the cells in a pathology lab to determine what they are and perform some tests to learn more about the nature of the growth.
      By: nandyphotos
      A biopsy can be taken to examine the cells in a pathology lab to determine what they are and perform some tests to learn more about the nature of the growth.
    • Chemotherapy involves introducing various chemicals into the body in an effort to kill cancer cells.
      By: nebari
      Chemotherapy involves introducing various chemicals into the body in an effort to kill cancer cells.
    • Chemotherapy and radiation treatment may cause hair loss in some patients.
      By: prudkov
      Chemotherapy and radiation treatment may cause hair loss in some patients.
    • Medical imaging scans will be conducted to see if the spindle cell neoplasm growth can safely be removed.
      By: Trish23
      Medical imaging scans will be conducted to see if the spindle cell neoplasm growth can safely be removed.
    • Those who require chemotherapy for a spindle cell neoplasm may have a port placed under the skin to in order to accommodate the need for frequent venous access.
      Those who require chemotherapy for a spindle cell neoplasm may have a port placed under the skin to in order to accommodate the need for frequent venous access.
    • Hair loss may occur as early as the second week after the first cycle of chemotherapy.
      By: Eireann
      Hair loss may occur as early as the second week after the first cycle of chemotherapy.