Head and neck sarcomas: clinical and histopathological presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes

J Laryngol Otol. 2016 Sep;130(9):850-9. doi: 10.1017/S0022215116008604. Epub 2016 Aug 1.

Abstract

Background: Sarcoma of the head and neck is a rare condition that poses significant challenges in management and often requires radical multimodality treatment.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyse current clinical presentation, evaluation, management dilemmas and oncological outcomes.

Methods: Computer records and case notes were analysed, and 39 patients were identified. Variables were compared using Pearson's chi-square test and the log-rank test, while survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: The histopathological diagnosis was Kaposi sarcoma in 20.5 per cent of cases, chondrosarcoma in 15.3 per cent and osteosarcoma in 10.2 per cent. A range of other sarcomas were diagnosed in the remaining patients. The site of disease was most commonly sinonasal, followed by the oral cavity and larynx.

Conclusion: Wide local excision with clear resection margins is essential to achieve local control and long-term survival. There is a need for cross-specialty collaboration in order to accrue the evidence which will be necessary to improve long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Chondrosarcoma; Head And Neck Cancer; Kaposi Sarcoma; Osteosarcoma; Sarcoma; Sarcoma Management.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chondrosarcoma / diagnosis
  • Chondrosarcoma / pathology
  • Chondrosarcoma / therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology
  • Mouth Neoplasms / therapy
  • Nose Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Nose Neoplasms / pathology
  • Nose Neoplasms / therapy
  • Osteosarcoma / diagnosis
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology
  • Osteosarcoma / therapy
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcoma / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma / pathology*
  • Sarcoma / therapy
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / pathology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult