Synovial Sarcoma of the Palatine Tonsil: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Here, we describe young men with synovial sarcoma in the palatine tonsil, who presented with a 3-4 month history of progressive sore throat, tonsillar ulcerative mass and bleeding. Clinical and radiological examinations revealed that the tumors arose from the palatine tonsil and extended to the parapharyngeal space. Both tumors were too advanced to remove completely; therefore, they underwent surgical debulking during tonsillectomy and partial pharyngectomy. Histopathological and immunohistochem- ical studies confirmed the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the palatine tonsil. Despite postoperative radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, they relapsed 18 and 22 months later. The first patient died from unresectable local recurrent disease three years after primary diagnosis, and the second patient is alive after 36 months, but suffers from unresectable locoregional recurrent disease and is receiving palliative chemotherapy and supportive care.