[Synovial sarcoma, a rare tumor of the larynx. Case report and differential diagnostic considerations]

The synovial sarcoma of the larynx is a very rare tumour. Only six cases have been published so far in international literature. We describe a synovial sarcoma of the larynx in a 53-year old patient. Laryngectomy and neck-dissection were performed, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. 16 months after therapy neither locoregional recurrence nor lung metastases have occurred. Clinically, an attempt can be made to differentiate a synovial sarcoma from a squamous cell carcinoma based on the appearance of the surface epithelium. It is still a problem to safely establish the diagnosis of a synovial sarcoma on the basis of a biopsy. The poor prognosis of this tumour requires radical surgical removal. The effects of radiation are discussed controversially.