Metastatic synovial sarcoma of the scalp: Case report

Abstract

Background: Synovial sarcoma is a malignant tumor of soft tissue that is rarely found in the head and neck. Even less common are metastasis within the head and neck.

Methods: We describe a case of a delayed metastatic synovial sarcoma to the scalp. A man who had been diagnosed and treated 16 years previously for monophasic synovial sarcoma of the groin, presented with a new scalp lesion confirmed to be metastatic monophasic synovial sarcoma. Wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) were performed and adjuvant radiation therapy was deferred.

Results: A positron emission tomography (PET)/CT was obtained 3 months after surgery and showed no evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease.

Conclusion: This case report describes a rare case of synovial sarcoma metastasizing to the scalp. The genetic, histopathologic, and clinical features of synovial sarcoma are reviewed with a focus on their manifestation and management within the head and neck.

Keywords: head and neck neoplasm; metastatic; monophasic; scalp; synovial sarcoma.