Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of the neck

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosocarcinoma (EMC) is a rare soft-tissue malignancy.
• Typically found in deep soft tissues of the lower extremities.
• Usually presents as a well-defined, multinodular mass without calcifications.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old woman with a history of nasopharyngeal cancer presented with an anterior neck mass.
• Imaging revealed a well-defined soft-tissue mass with extensive calcifications.
• Histopathological diagnosis confirmed extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma.

Findings:

• The imaging characteristics, particularly extensive calcifications, were atypical for EMC.
• The location in the anterior neck is unusual for this tumor type.
• The case presented diagnostic challenges due to discordant radiological and typical pathological findings.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare presentations of common tumors.
• Unusual imaging findings in soft-tissue tumors necessitate thorough histopathological evaluation.
• Awareness of atypical EMC presentations can aid in timely and accurate diagnosis.