Epithelioid sarcoma of the spine: a case report

This case report illustrates a patient presenting with sciatica and diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma involving the spine.

The treatment of this patient involved multiple mass resections and decompressions of the spinal canal. Radio- and chemotherapy were applied once a clear diagnosis was obtained.

Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare tumor mainly arising in the extremities. Confusion with a benign inflammatory process are possible. Treatment after histologic diagnosis involves wide resection. To our knowledge, this report represents the first case of epithelioid sarcoma involving the spine.

After initial discectomy, recurrent scarring and mass formation required multiple decompression procedures and fusion. The initial pathology revealed inflammatory reaction on fibrosis. In a later procedure, the histologic diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma was made. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were begun immediately.

Despite aggressive resections, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the patient died 3 months after the last surgical procedure.

Spinal epithelioid sarcoma can be mistaken for a benign inflammatory process. After a histologic diagnosis, aggressive wide resection is necessary. Multiple recurrences are documented with this tumor in other sites. Prognosis in trunk involvement is less favorable than involvement of the extremities. The role of adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy is unclear for spinal involvement.