Synovial sarcoma of the head and neck: chromosomal translation (X;18) as a diagnostic aid.
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.
Cihak
R A
RA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-1225, USA.
Lydiatt
W M
WM
Lydiatt
D D
DD
Bridge
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002887:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 / Q000235:genetics*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007890:Leiomyosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D013584:Sarcoma, Synovial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D014178:Translocation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000235:genetics*