[Scanning electron microscopic observation of the three-dimensional structure of laryngeal carcinoma using freeze-cracking method].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between the morphology and the biological characteristics of laryngeal carcinoma.

METHODS: The freeze-cracking method was used to examine 126 specimens of the larynx under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The specimens were obtained from 12 patients suffering from laryngeal cancer and 4 patients with normal larynx.

RESULTS: (1) In the normal larynx, the squamous-cell epithelium showed marked keratinization and the intracellular bridges were clear and regular. (2) In areas adjacent to cancer, the structure of the squamous-cell epithlium could be identified, but the cells were deranged and paramorphic. (3) There were two types in the marginal area of the carcinoma. Along the areas adjacent to cancer, infiltrating lymphocytes were usually observed and the surface of the lymphocytes had many leading lamella.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the three-dimensional observation with SEM using the freeze-cracking technique is helpful for studying the relation between morphology and biologic characteristics of laryngeal carcinoma.