Head and Neck Synovial Cell Sarcoma

Our experience with 14 patients treated for synovial cell sarcoma during the past 30 years is described. These tumors were manifested in young people whose ages ranged from 12 to 43 years. The diagnosis of synovial cell sarcoma proved difficult because approximately one third of the patients initially received incorrect pathologic diagnoses. A painless neck mass was the most common presenting symptom. Initial treatment included surgical excision in five patients and surgical excision and radiation therapy in nine. Recurrent or metastatic tumor occurred from 4 months to 62 months later; thus, long-term followup is important. Four of the nine patients who were followed more than 5 years died of their disease. Favorable prognostic findings included early diagnosis and the performance of wide surgical removal.