Synovial sarcoma of the neck: report of case

Synovial sarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm that usually arises in the extremities and rarely in the head and neck. A case arising in the neck has been reported herein. The tumor is composed of two intimately associated cellular patterns; one resembles synovial structures and the other resembles fibrosarcoma. The tumor is fairly slow growing and is fairly well circumscribed but not actually encapsulated. There is a predilection for males; most occur in the third through fifth decades of life. Recurrence follows inadequate therapy. Although local excision was the therapy used in this case, the patient is alive and free of disease 30 months postoperatively.