Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the soft palate

Abstract

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcomas are extremely rare, with only 2 reported cases involving the palate. These tumors have typical oval to spindle cells with fine chromatin, obvious nucleoli and indistinct cell borders. They are usually arranged as sheets, whorls, or in a storiform pattern. Although FDC sarcoma has a characteristic morphologic picture, due to its rarity it may be mistaken for other types of sarcoma, carcinoma or melanoma. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies are useful for confirmation of the diagnosis. We report a case of FDC sarcoma developing in the soft palate. The patient suffered from an oral cavity mass with dysphagia in the previous 2 months as well as body weight loss of 8 kg during the previous 6 months. He was well previously and denied any other systemic problems. Wide excision of the tumor was performed and no recurrence or metastasis was noted for 5 years. The success of the procedure may have been due to a well-defined tumor margin and less aggressive histological features. The ability to recognize and differentiate extranodal FDC tumors based on knowledge of their full morphologic spectrum is important as they have an intermediate malignant potential.