Synovial sarcoma of the head and neck

Head Neck. 1992 Jan-Feb;14(1):44-8. doi: 10.1002/hed.2880140110.

Abstract

Primary synovial sarcoma is an unusual tumor of the head and neck. Fewer than 75 cases have been reported in the literature. We have treated 7 additional cases; 3 in the hypopharynx, 2 in the parapharyngeal space, 1 in the oral pharynx and 1 in the posterior triangle of the neck. An enlarging cervical mass, voice change, and dysphagia were among the presenting complaints. CT revealed solitary nonhomogenous tumors from 3 to 7 cm in diameter. Microscopically, all cases showed a biphasic cellular pattern verified by immunohistochemical staining. Multimodality treatment consisted of surgery and postoperative radiation therapy with 3 patients receiving chemotherapy. Although the original pathology report was incorrect in 3 cases, clinical suspicion for synovial sarcoma ensured proper diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sarcoma, Synovial / pathology*
  • Sarcoma, Synovial / therapy