Synovial sarcoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Synovial sarcoma, a malignant soft-tissue tumor that occurs primarily in the extremities, is seen rarely in the head and neck. Although known to behave aggressively in the extremities, recent reports suggest that the course of synovial sarcoma may be more indolent when it occurs in the head and neck. Five new cases of synovial sarcoma of the head and neck are described herein. Of four patients with adequate follow-up, three died of pulmonary metastases at 1, 2 1/2, and 8 years following initial treatment. The fourth patient is alive with disease at the primary site six years after diagnosis. The poor prognosis for patients with this disease suggests that aggressive treatment is necessary.