SYNOVIAL CELL-SARCOMA OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT

Synovial cell sarcoma is a relatively rare tumor that occurs infrequen tly in the head and neck. Despite the low incidence, synovial cell sar coma should be a part of the differential diagnosis when evaluating ma sses in the head and neck region. The primary mode of treatment is wid e en bloc excision. The decision to perform lymph node dissections sho uld be based on physical findings or imaging studies that suggest lymp hadenopathy. Postoperative radiation therapy is believed to be of valu e, but only in large doses of 65 Gy or more. The role of chemotherapy remains unclear. Despite recent advances, the prognosis for this disea se remains poor. This report describes the fourth reported case of syn ovial cell sarcoma involving the temporomandibular joint, The case rep ort details the principles of wide excision and adjuvant radiation the rapy in the treatment of synovial cell sarcoma.