Epidemiological Study of Head and Neck Sarcomas

Head and neck sarcomas are uncommon tumors that account for less than 1% of head and neck malignancies and fewer than 5% of all sarcomas. This study aims to assess the head and neck sarcomas pattern in Isfahan, Iran, compare its results with previous findings, and investigate treatment methods and the recurrence and survival rate.

This study was done on 160 patients diagnosed with head and neck sarcomas between 2001 and 2020 in four medical centers in Isfahan, Iran. The patients with head and neck sarcoma confirmed by biopsy were included. Patient information included sex, age at diagnosis, and full characteristics of the mass. Disease recurrence and 2-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) were investigated by phone.

Among 160 patients, 94 (58.8%) were male. The mean age was 36.9 ± 23.2 years. The neck was the most reported location for sarcomas (N=34, 21.3%). Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was the most frequent histopathologic pattern (N=48, 30.0%). The brain and lungs were the most common destinations for metastasis. "Surgery and adjuvant therapy together" was the most common type of treatment (N=108, 68.8%). The 2-year and 5-year recurrence rates were N=100, 62.5%, and N=110, 68.8%, respectively. The 2-year and 5-year OS was N=103, 64.4%, and N=58, 36.6%, respectively. Eighty-nine patients have had metastasis (55.6%).

Both 2-year and 5-year recurrence rates and OS were significantly correlated with metastasis. The OS within two years and five years were significantly higher in those treated only by "Surgery".