Studies on Human Laryngeal Papilloma: Degeneration of Lymphocytes Within the Neoplastic Cells

Abstract

Biopsies from 5 cases of Juvenile Laryngeal Papilloma were studied by electron microscopy. In 2 cases. phagocytosed neutrophils were seen in various stages of degeneration and disintegration within the neoplastic cells. The possible phenomenon of ‘emperiopole-sis’ and ‘phagocytosis’ in a benign neoplasm is described, and it is suggested that all cases of Juvenile Laryngeal Papilloma must be carefully examined by light- and electron microscopy in an attempt to locate any phagocytic activity in the neoplastic cells which may provide evidence for the early detection of malignancy.