Synovial sarcoma of the head and neck: chromosomal translation (X;18) as a diagnostic aid

Head Neck. 1997 Sep;19(6):549-53. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199709)19:6<549::aid-hed14>3.0.co;2-0.

Abstract

Background: Synovial sarcoma, a rare tumor in the head and neck, has been historically diagnosed by its characteristic biphasic histologic pattern. Monophasic variants exist which can be difficult to diagnose.

Methods: Two cases of synovial sarcoma of the head and neck are presented. Both cases, cytogenetic analysis was performed using standard protocols.

Results: Both tumors demonstrated a chromosomal translocation, t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2), which either made or confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions: Synovial sarcoma contains a characteristic chromosomal translocation which is a useful diagnostic tool, especially when histologic studies are equivocal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 / genetics*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Leiomyosarcoma / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Parotid Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Parotid Neoplasms / genetics
  • Parotid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Sarcoma, Synovial / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma, Synovial / genetics*
  • Sarcoma, Synovial / pathology
  • Skull Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skull Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skull Neoplasms / pathology
  • Translocation, Genetic / genetics*
  • X Chromosome / genetics*