Histopathologic Spectrum and Clinical Management of Pharyngeal and Laryngeal Sarcomas

Sarcomas are rare mesenchymal malignancies (<1% of all cancer types), with 5-15% occurring in the head and neck. Common types include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. They often recur and have poor survival rates. Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach. This study aimed to overview sarcomas at our hospital and illustrated the interdisciplinary management of pharyngeal and laryngeal cases.

This single-center study provides a comprehensive analysis of head and neck sarcomas (HNS) and examines interdisciplinary treatment approaches for pharyngeal and laryngeal sarcomas in patients treated at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Technical University of Munich, from 2007 to 2022. The study encompasses data on age, gender, histopathological diagnoses, treatment modalities, follow-up, and outcomes, with an emphasis on histopathological findings and collaborative therapeutic strategies.

Twenty-seven cases of HNS were identified (2007-2022). Among these, 11 were pharyngeal or laryngeal sarcomas. All pharyngeal sarcomas underwent primary resection with reconstruction based on tumor location and extent. In laryngeal sarcomas, 3 required laryngectomy, 1 had a hemilaryngectomy, and 1 patient opted for primary radiochemotherapy over laryngopharyngectomy. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given in 5 cases, and radiochemotherapy in 3. Diagnoses included a range of soft tissue and bone sarcomas, such as liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. During the study period, 4 patients survived, 5 patients were noted as deceased, and survival data for 2 patients remain unavailable. Patients exhibited an average survival of 7.6 (±10.4) years. The survival times within this limited patient population exhibit significant variation. Histologically, a wide spectrum of low and high-grade soft tissue and bone sarcomas were diagnosed including liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma, Ewing, osteosarcoma, or chondrosarcoma.

HNS are rare and challenging to treat. Surgery is the primary treatment, with postoperative radiotherapy recommended for incomplete resections or high-risk subtypes. Advanced surgical techniques and reconstruction allow for radical resections while preserving function. Incorporating genetic insights and better sarcoma classification can further optimize treatments.