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Synovial sarcoma of the head and neck
R P Bukachevsky1, R L Pincus, F G Shechtman
1Department of Otolarygnology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, New York Medical College, New York.
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.