Leiomyosarcoma of the head and neck

Definition

Leiomyosarcomas of the head and neck may involve the neck, maxilla, buccal area, sinuses, nose or pharynx.

Epidemiology

This is a rare tumour

Histopathology

The features are those of leiomyosarcoma as seen at other sites, with a tendency to have an inflammatory component.

Immunohistochemistry

 

Muscle-specific actin

8/9

 

Desmin

10/12

S-100

1/7

Myogenin

1/7

Myo-D1

0/7

Cytokeratin

0/8

CD34

0/7

 

Differential diagnosis

Prognosis

The behavior of smooth muscle tumours is site-specific. Leiomyosarcomas of the head and neck are aggressive tumours.

References

Montgomery, E., Goldblum, J.R. and Fisher, C. Leiomyosarcoma of the head and neck: a clinicopathological study. Histopathology 2002;40:518-25.

This page last revised 6.4.2003.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop