Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Background: Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) of the upper aerodigestive tract is a rare malignancy of which the diagnosis, optimum treatment, and prognosis remain controversial. A series of 17 patients with SC is presented, along with an analysis of potential prognostic factors, outcome following treatment, and patterns of failure.

Materials and methods: Hospital charts and pathology material were reviewed in all cases. The end points chosen were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, and local control above the clavicles.

Results: There were 15 male and 2 female patients with a median age of 70 years. With a median follow-up length of 29 months, the median survival time was 32 months with an actuarial survival of 72% and 42% at 2 and 5 years, respectively.

Conclusion: All recurrences were detected within 30 months from diagnosis. There was an OS advantage for patients with early-stage disease, patients with extralaryngeal presentations, and patients treated with surgery.