Parapharyngeal Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma in a 5-Year-Old Child

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Pediatric Pathology

Background:

• Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an exceptionally rare soft tissue malignancy.
• It predominantly affects the head and neck region, with the orbit and tongue being common sites.
• ASPS in the parapharyngeal space, particularly in pediatric patients, is exceedingly uncommon.

Observation:

• A 5-year-old female presented with a right prestyloid parapharyngeal mass identified via CT scan.
• Surgical excision was performed using a trans-cervical approach.
• Histopathology, special stains, and immunohistochemistry confirmed ASPS.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of ASPS was confirmed in a pediatric patient with a parapharyngeal mass.
• The patient underwent successful surgical resection.
• A three-year follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented instance of ASPS in the parapharyngeal space in a pediatric patient.
• It highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric head and neck masses.
• The successful surgical management and favorable outcome underscore the potential for effective treatment in pediatric ASPS.