Prognostic Factors in Head and Neck Sarcomas: Analysis of the SEER Database

Abstract

Objectives: 1) Summarize the epidemiology of sarcomas occurring in the head and neck. 2) Identify prognostic factors for patient survival. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. Results: The SEER 18 database, spanning the years 1973 to 2009, was analyzed. A total of 2134 cases of sarcoma arising in the head and neck were identified, accounting for 3.9% of all sarcomas. Of head and neck sites, the bones of the skull and face were most commonly affected (n = 856), followed by the oral cavity and pharynx (n = 532), nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (n = 365), and major salivary glands (n = 192). Overall disease-specific 2-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates for head and neck sarcoma were 69.5%, 55.9%, and 49.9%, respectively. On Cox regression analysis, histologic subtype, tumor location, gender, and patient age were found to influence mortality rate significantly ( P < 0.05), with male gender and older age portending worse outcomes. Conclusions: Sarcomas, a heterogeneous group of malignant mesenchymal tumors, are uncommonly found in the head and neck. This study represents the largest analysis of patients with head and neck sarcoma in the literature and demonstrates the impact of histology, tumor location, age, and gender on overall prognosis.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma: Database review suggests a favorable prognosis in the head and neck

“…The current study looks specifically at MFH and focuses on a comparison between body regions rather than the type of sarcoma. The variation in specific numbers obtained from the SEER database is likely due to the year the database was accessed, as well as differing inclusion criteria for the studies …”

“…By utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, this article draws conclusions from the largest cohort of head and neck MFHs currently available. The largest previous study looking at MFH in the SEER database analyzed these tumors in the broader context of head and neck sarcomas . The goal of this study is to use the SEER database to compare characteristics of MFH based on location, with the purpose of better understanding prognosis and ultimately guiding treatment of this disease in the head and neck region.…”

Low-Grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma of the Head and Neck: A Clinicopathologic Series and Review of the Literature

“…Primary head and neck sarcomas affect both adults and children. Some of the most frequently encountered sarcomas include rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma in children and young adults, and rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and angiosarcoma in older adults [2,3]. Primary head and neck sarcomas commonly involve the scalp, face, and nasal cavity, while the larynx and upper airway are more unusual sites [1,4,5].…”

The opportunities and shortcomings of using big data and national databases for sarcoma research

“…[4][5][6][7] The rarity and heterogeneity of sarcomas make performing appropriately powered studies challenging and magnify the significance of large databases in sarcoma research. [6][7][8][9][10] Nevertheless, the validity of large databases across multiple specialties has been questioned and scrutinized because of the inaccuracy and wide variability of coding practices and the absence of clinically relevant variables. 6 However, the acquisition of data from multiple institutions presents many challenges due to limited interoperability and variations in diagnostic methodologies.…”