Soft Tissue Special Issue: Imaging of Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas in the Head and Neck

Management of head & neck sarcomas in adults: A retrospective study

The research purpose is to review the surgical approach and evaluate the results in adult patients with head and neck sarcomas. The histopathology varied, including two leiomyosarcomas, six malignant fibrous histiocytomas, two malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, four dermatofibrosarcomas protuberans, three osteosarcomas, two angiosarcomas, one liposarcoma, one Ewing sarcoma, one synovial sarcoma, two unclassified/non-differentiated sarcomas and one solitary fibrous tumor. Surgical resection included maxillectomy, mandibulectomy, craniectomy, parotidectomy, scalp resection, face skin resection and laminectomy. The reconstruction was performed with one rectus abdominis flap, four radial forearm flaps, two latissimus dorsi flaps, two vascularized fibula flaps, two pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps, two trapezius flaps, two temporalis flaps, seven scalp flaps and two nasolabial flaps. The total patient number was 24. The hospitalization was uncomplicated, followed by postoperative radiotherapy in the majority of cases. In a mean 15-year follow-up period, 11 patients are still alive and disease-free. There were four recurrences treated with palliative radiotherapy. The surgical approach for head and neck sarcomas, including the achievement of a functionally acceptable result by organ sparing techniques, remains challenging. Wide resection combined with the appropriate reconstruction, particularly with microsurgical techniques, and followed by adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy offer improved prognosis and quality of life.

Update on MR Imaging of Soft Tissue Tumors of Head and Neck

This article reviews soft tissue tumors of the head and neck following the 2020 revision of WHO Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours. Common soft tissue tumors in the head and neck and tumors are discussed, along with newly added entities to the classification system. Salient clinical and imaging features that may allow for improved diagnostic accuracy or to narrow the imaging differential diagnosis are covered. Advanced imaging techniques are discussed, with a focus on diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast imaging and their potential to help characterize soft tissue tumors and aid in distinguishing malignant from benign tumors.

Radiologic Evaluation of the Head and Neck Cancer Patient

CT, PET, ultrasound, and MRI examinations all have roles in the staging and surveillance of cancers in the head and neck. Contrast-enhanced CT is generally the primary examination because of availability, cost, reproducibility, and good overall quality regardless of where performed. PET, ultrasound, and MRI have more specific and nuanced applications. Good interdisciplinary interactions with radiologist consultation can streamline the examination process and reduce the examination burden on patients by limiting the number and maximizing the quality of the examinations and image-guided interventions performed.

Primary intraosseous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the mandible: An unusual presentation mimicking a benign lesion

The malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare, aggressive malignant tumor that usually develops in the context of neurofibromatosis type 1. In the oral cavity, these tumors are excelling rare, especially in intraosseous sites. Herein, we report an unusual presentation of intraosseous MPNST affecting the mandible posterior region in a 28-year-old male without neurofibromatosis type 1 discovered as an incidental find on imaging exam. CT scan evaluation showed a solitary, well-defined, round hypodense lesion in the posterior mandibular region extending from tooth 45 to 46. Microscopic evaluation showed a tumor composed of atypical spindle-shaped cells arranged in fascicles and a storiform pattern. Tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein. Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), pan-cytokeratin AE1/AE3, desmin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), HMB-45, MART-1, MUC4, and CD56 were negative. The diagnosis was low-grade MPNST. The patient underwent wide surgical resection of the tumor. After three years of follow-up, the patient remained with no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease. When an intraosseous neurogenic tumor is suspected based on radiological characteristics, despite the apparent benign nature, an incisional biopsy is mandatory to rule out malignancy before treatment planning to avoid inadequate conservative treatment.