Head and Neck Sarcomas-clinicopathological Findings, Treatment Modalities and Its Outcome - A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION: Sarcomas are malignant neoplasms constituting an important group of tumours due to their high morbidity and mortality. They can arise either from soft tissue or bone. Soft tissue sarcomas are common, but bone sarcomas are rare. The aims and objective of this study are to carry out the study of head-and-neck sarcomas between January 2006 and May 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients of head-and-neck sarcoma were included. Study of demographic and clinicopathological characteristics including age, sex, gender, presenting symptoms, origin, primary anatomical location, size, tumour grade, staging, treatment modality, recurrence, metastasis, and patient status during the recent visit. RESULTS: Fifty-six (68.3%) were males and 26 (31.7%) were females. The male/female ratio was 2.28:1. The most affected age group was 0–19 years. Tumour size of >5 cm in greatest dimension was seen in 67.1% cases and tumour size of <5 cm in 32.9%. Chemotherapy + radiotherapy (CT + RT) was given in 23.8% followed by surgery in 13.9%. Recurrence was seen in 19.5% and metastasis in 18.3%. DISCUSSION: Rhabdomyosarcoma was the most predominant histological type. Maximum patients reported in late stage. The most commonly used treatment was the combination of CT and RT. Recurrence was seen in 19.5% and distant metastasis in 18.3% patients. Head-and-neck sarcomas are rare so epidemiological studies involving more cases must be carried out for better understanding and better outcome.