If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a head or neck sarcoma, you want a team of experts who understand these rare and often complicated cancers. The OSUCCC – James operates the only Sarcoma Clinic in central Ohio. Our dedicated, full-time staff are committed to understanding your specific needs. Head and neck sarcomas are managed by surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.
Types of head and neck sarcoma
Sarcomas are cancers that occur in the soft tissues or bones in the body. Soft tissues are also referred to as connective tissue and may include muscle, fat, nerves or tendons. Sarcomas can also occur in the bones. Because these cancers start in soft tissue or bone, they can occur almost anywhere, including the head or neck. The location and size of these cancers can make diagnosis and treatment difficult.
There are a few different types of head and neck sarcomas including:
- Angiosarcoma: This sarcoma develops in the blood and lymph vessels often on the skin.
- Leiomyosarcoma: Leiomyosarcoma occurs in the smooth muscles.
- Liposarcoma: This cancer starts in the fatty tissue and often occurs in the neck, larynx and pharynx.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma: Rhabdomyosarcoma occurs in the skeletal muscle soft tissue; most cases of this cancer start in the head and neck.
- Synovial cell sarcoma: Synovial cell sarcoma of the head and neck occurs when cancer forms in the synovial membrane lining that protects joints.
Head and neck sarcoma causes
At this time, there are no known causes for head and neck sarcomas. Sarcomas occur when abnormal cells grow out of control in the soft tissue or bone and form a mass and invade surrounding healthy tissue.
There are some risk factors associated with the increased likelihood of developing sarcoma of the head and neck. A risk factor is anything that could increase the chances you could develop a condition. Some of those risk factors can be influenced by you and others can’t.
When it comes to head and neck sarcomas, the greatest risk factors include:
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Genetic (inherited) mutations
- Past radiation exposure
- Health conditions such as chronic lymphedema
It’s important to remember that just because you may have certain risk factors for head and neck sarcomas doesn’t mean you’ll develop the disease. It’s important to talk to your doctor to fully understand your risks.
Head and neck sarcoma symptoms
Head and neck sarcoma symptoms will vary depending on the location and size of a suspected tumor. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms you may have because there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Common head and neck sarcoma symptoms may include:
- Painless lump or bump that doesn’t go away
- Pain in or around the head and neck
- Vision issues
- Nosebleeds
- Chronic sinus infections
- Earaches
- Ringing of the ears
- Trouble hearing
If your doctor thinks you may have a head or neck sarcoma, they may order a series of tests based on your symptoms during an evaluation. Because these sarcomas require a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and treatment, your doctors will determine specifically what is needed for your case.
Potential diagnostic imaging tools include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- X-ray
If your imaging results indicate further testing is necessary, a biopsy may be ordered. A doctor will take a tissue sample of the suspected tumor using a needle. An OSUCCC – James pathologist will then look at the cells under a microscope to determine if it’s cancer, like a sarcoma, or something else. If the tumor is a form of head and neck cancer, your team of doctors will create a treatment plan for you.
Head and neck sarcoma treatment
Head and neck sarcomas can be challenging to treat so using a multidisciplinary approach for treatment is key. Experts at the OSUCCC – James will work together to create a comprehensive plan for your case using a combination of one or more treatment options.
Common treatments for head and neck sarcomas may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and clinical trials.
Surgery
Surgical removal of head and neck sarcomas is the preferred treatment method. An OSUCCC – James surgical oncologist who specializes in treating these cancers will remove as much of the tumor as possible. The surgical technique used will depend on the location of the tumor. The surgeon will remove the tumor and surrounding tissue to ensure the cancer is completely removed and no cancerous cells remain. In some cases, if a tumor is too large to safely remove it, you may undergo radiation or chemotherapy to shrink it prior to surgery.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It may be recommended before or after surgery to shrink a tumor or to ensure a tumor doesn’t return after surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that can treat head and neck sarcomas. Medication is injected into a vein (intravenously) and usually administered over time. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery or if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Clinical trials
Depending on your head and neck sarcoma, you may be a candidate for a clinical trial. The OSUCCC – James is one of only a few comprehensive cancer centers funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the only one in central Ohio. Currently, there are 20 clinical trials underway for sarcoma. Your team will determine if you’re eligible to participate.