Head and neck sarcomas: clinical and histopathological presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes

Sarcoma of the head and neck is a rare condition that poses significant challenges in management and often requires radical multimodality treatment.

This study aimed to analyse current clinical presentation, evaluation, management dilemmas and oncological outcomes.

Computer records and case notes were analysed, and 39 patients were identified. Variables were compared using Pearson's chi-square test and the log-rank test, while survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

The histopathological diagnosis was Kaposi sarcoma in 20.5 per cent of cases, chondrosarcoma in 15.3 per cent and osteosarcoma in 10.2 per cent. A range of other sarcomas were diagnosed in the remaining patients. The site of disease was most commonly sinonasal, followed by the oral cavity and larynx.

Wide local excision with clear resection margins is essential to achieve local control and long-term survival. There is a need for cross-specialty collaboration in order to accrue the evidence which will be necessary to improve long-term outcomes.