Prognostic factors in head and neck soft tissue sarcomas: analysis of 128 cases

Soft tissue sarcomas make up a heterogenous group of rare malignant tumors originating from mesodermal tissues. Although there have been several improvements in diagnostic methods, staging, and treatment over the past few years, the prognosis of head and neck sarcomas remains worse than those sited at the trunk or extremities. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the survival results of 128 consecutive patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck treated from 1953 to 1985. Of the 93 patients submitted to surgical resection, the procedure was considered radical in 67 patients. Of the operated group, 46 patients (49.5%) developed recurrence of disease. Thirty-two patients underwent further treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy), and 14 patients were salvaged, giving the ultimate result of 65.6% disease control rate in the operated group. The univariate survival analysis showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05) according to age, race, sex, and site or histologic type of the tumor. Radicality of surgery was an important prognostic factor affecting survival (P = 0.0014 for disease-free interval and P = 0.0183 for overall survival). The multivariate analysis showed that the radicality of surgery and tumor histology were independent prognostic factors affecting recurrence. The same variables and age group were related to the risk of death. Every effort must be made to make an early diagnosis and a radical surgical resection of these tumors must be tried (except for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma), because it offers the best chance for cure.