Synovial Sarcomas of the Neck

Abstract

SYNOVIAL sarcomas comprise approxi mately 8.5% of all malignant tumors of the somatic soft tissues and according to Pack and Ariel are the commonest sarcomas of the hands and feet.1 A primary synovial sarcoma of an area besides the extremity is rare, but such lesions have been reported in the abdominal and chest walls, lower back, and neck. In a recent review of tumors of soft tissues, Martin et al record no synoviomas in the cervical region from a total of 412 malignant soft tissue neoplasms.2In 1961, Harrison and his associates, after a review of the literature, accepted only five cases of primary synovial sarcoma of the neck.3Because of its rarity and histological peculiarities, the neoplasm may be a perplexing one for both the surgeon and the pathologist. In the present report, the authors record three additional cases, including one from their own experience. Report