Solitary fibrous tumor of the head and neck

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the reported cases of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) in the head and neck and to evaluate this tumor regarding histologic features, treatment, and recurrence. SFT has been described in many extrapleural sites, including the head and neck. Uniform overexpression of CD34 differentiates SFT from other spindle cell neoplasms. SFT is a slow-growing neoplasm that can be successfully treated by complete excision. A rare malignant counterpart has also been described.

Study design: In this case series and review of published cases from English-language journals in the National Library of Medicine, we reviewed 142 cases of SFT reported in English-language literature and add 11 new cases. We compared the features reported in the previous publications of SFT from the head and neck with our series, including cases described as malignant or atypical SFT.

Results: Four out of 9 cases with positive margins recurred, whereas only 1 out of 10 cases with atypical or malignant features recurred.

Conclusions: An important finding in SFT of the head and neck is that recurrence appears more related to incomplete excision than to microscopic grade.