Head and neck sarcoma: Analysis of 29 cases

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients suffering from head and neck sarcomas and to identify indicators of outcome.Material and methodsThe medical records of 43 patients treated between 2000 and 2010 were analyzed. All patients were suffering from primary head and neck sarcoma. The final study sample included 29 patients.ResultsMean survival was 56 months. Overall 2- and 5-year survivorship was 69% and 31% respectively. Parameters positively influencing survival were: male gender; non-smoker; alcohol consumption; age < 18 years; tumor size < 5 cm; location (nasal pyramid, jaw and maxillary sinus). Rhabdomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma were the histological forms positively influencing prognosis. Age was the only parameter significantly influencing survival (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present overall 5-year survivorship was similar to the lower limit of the available literature data. Age was the only proven indicator of outcome. In order to have more reliable data it is essential to set up broader databases.