Clinical Characteristics of Radiation-Induced Sarcoma of the Head and Neck: Review of 15 Cases and 323 Cases in the Literature

Abstract

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of radiation-induced sarcoma of the head and neck (RISHN) that could help in the early diagnosis of this rare disease.

Materials and methods: From August 1995 through October 2014, 15 cases of RISHN presenting at the authors' department and 323 cases in the literature were reviewed.

Results: The incidence of RISHN was higher in men than in women (male-to-female ratio, 2.4:1). The mean latency was long (9.3 yr), and the tumor often occurred in middle age (50.0 yr old). Osteosarcoma was the predominant pathologic diagnosis (34.1%). The prognosis of RISHN was poor.

Conclusion: RISHN is a serious long-term complication of radiotherapy and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Owing to the long latency period, its early diagnosis is difficult to make. RISHN should be considered when a patient who has undergone radiotherapy presents with a mass, pain, or trismus in the irradiated field.