Intracytoplasmic desmosomes in malignant keratinocytes of laryngeal carcinoma.

In this communication the presence and ultrastructural morphology of intracytoplasmic desmosomes is demonstrated in laryngeal carcinoma. The intracytoplasmic desmosomes observed here closely resemble those found in normal epithelia. The intracellular location of the intracytoplasmic desmosomes was demonstrated by the cytoplasmic continuity around one or both ends of the lateral membranes. The removal of desmosomal structures from the cell surface resulting in the formation of intracytoplasmic desmosomes may further contribute to the loss of intercellular contract in carcinoma cells.