Radiation-induced leiomyosarcoma of the maxillofacial region: facial reconstruction with implant-retained prosthesis

Radiation-Induced Sarcomas of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review

Introduction

As a result of the increased use of radiotherapy (RT) and improved long-term overall survival of patients with cancers of the head and neck (HN), the frequency of radiation-induced sarcomas of the head and neck (RISHN) may be increasing. The main objective of this systematic review was to determine the existing evidence on the frequency, treatment, and outcome of RISHN.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines we conducted a systematic review of the literature published from 2000 to 2020.

Results

Our review includes data of 560 patients from 64 articles. The total frequency of RISHNs among the reviewed series was 0.15%. The most frequent location of the primary tumor treated by RT was the nasopharynx. The mean RT dose used was 62 Gy, mean latency interval between irradiation and occurrence of RISHN was 11.1 years, and the most common RISHN location was the sinonasal region. Osteosarcoma was the principal histology, followed by fibrosarcoma. Surgery was the most frequently applied treatment modality. Of all patients with RISHN, 40.7% died of this disease after a mean interval of 13.9 months.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding the increased use of RT, the number of reported RISHNs has not increased substantially during the past two decades. Surgery with wide margins forms the best therapeutic option for these cases, but the outcome remains poor.

Clinical Characteristics of Radiation-Induced Sarcoma of the Head and Neck: Review of 15 Cases and 323 Cases in the Literature

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of radiation-induced sarcoma of the head and neck (RISHN) that could help in the early diagnosis of this rare disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 1995 through October 2014, 15 cases of RISHN presenting at the authors' department and 323 cases in the literature were reviewed.

RESULTS

The incidence of RISHN was higher in men than in women (male-to-female ratio, 2.4:1). The mean latency was long (9.3 yr), and the tumor often occurred in middle age (50.0 yr old). Osteosarcoma was the predominant pathologic diagnosis (34.1%). The prognosis of RISHN was poor.

CONCLUSION

RISHN is a serious long-term complication of radiotherapy and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Owing to the long latency period, its early diagnosis is difficult to make. RISHN should be considered when a patient who has undergone radiotherapy presents with a mass, pain, or trismus in the irradiated field.

Intra- and extraoral prostheses retained by zygoma implants following resection of the upper lip and nose

Upper lip cancers are infrequent lesions, being aggressive unless diagnosed and treated early. After the surgical resection, maxillofacial defects require special care in rehabilitation. This article describes the maxillofacial rehabilitation of an edentulous patient diagnosed with upper lip squamous cell carcinoma. The treatment consisted of a large amount of upper lip and nose tissue resection, followed by chemoradiotherapy. After the first surgical healing, zygoma implants were inserted in a two-step procedure. The maxillary and nasal prostheses were installed and fixed by a titanium framework. After 6 years follow-up, no recurrences were observed, and the patient did not develop metastases. Tissues around implants were in good health, and the prostheses remained well-fitted. The use of implant-retained prostheses improved the quality of life, and the patient was extremely satisfied with the final result. The implant-retained prostheses are well accepted by the patient, improving comfort and safety during function while recovering her esthetic apperance.

Leiomyosarcomas of the oral cavity: report of a radiation-associated and a metastatic case

BACKGROUND

Leiomyosarcoma is rare in the oral cavity, where it may arise as primary, radiation-associated, or metastatic tumor. This article reports two cases of oral leiomyosarcoma, discussing the range of clinicopathological features and the significance of these presentations.

CASE REPORT

One case is a radiation-associated leiomyosarcoma arising in the tongue of a 71-year-old male occurring 22 years after radiation therapy for tonsil squamous cell carcinoma that was surgically treated. The other one is a mandible metastasis from a retroperitoneal widespread leiomyosarcoma in a 69-year-old man, who was treated by surgery and chemotherapy but died from the disease.

DISCUSSION

Post-radiotherapy sarcomas of the oral cavity and oral metastasis from soft tissue sarcomas are very uncommon, but based on patient's clinical history, they should be considered by oral health care providers in order to allow an early diagnosis and proper and timely management. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, this seems to be the first reported case of tongue leiomyosarcoma arising in a previously irradiated field.