Spindle cell carcinoma is an uncommon variant of squamous cell carcinoma that is rarely seen in children. The spindle cell pattern is frequently confused with sarcomas.
A case of spindle carcinoma in a 14-year-old boy is presented. He is the youngest patient, to the authors' knowledge, with spindle cell carcinoma of the maxilla.
Electron microscopic examination is helpful to define the epithelial nature of the spindle cells and can be performed on formalin-fixed tissue. Electron microscopic examination is essential to formulate an optimal treatment plan.
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