In order to clarify the relationship between laryngeal carcinoma and eosinophils, the distribution of secretary ECP positive eosinophils in the larynx was investigated. The materials were ten larynges excised from the patients with laryngeal carcinoma. They were all negative for allergy.
In six cases, secretary ECP positive cell infiltration was detected. In this positive group, the eosinophil accumulation to the carcinoma was more prominent than that of the negative group. Degranulation of the eosinophils surrounding carcinoma was markedly revealed. In the vessels adjacent to the tumors, ECP positive cells often existed without degranulation.
It is suspected that eosinophils might take aim at the laryngeal carcinoma and play a role of cytotoxic action against the tumor.