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Synovial sarcoma: a clinicopathological review

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Summary

We have reviewed 20 cases of synovial sarcoma. The main clinical and pathological features of these cases are outlined. Typically these tumours arise in the leg in young adults with a long history before presentation and diagnosis. Clinical and radiological findings are unhelpful in making an early diagnosis. The five year survival rate in this series was 43%. The best guide to prognosis was assessment of mitotic activity. A high index of suspicion is required if the diagnosis is not to be missed. Adequate wide excision of the tumour is the mainstay of treatment.

Résumé

La révision de 20 cas de sarcome synovial a permis de dégager les principales caractéristiques cliniques et anatomopathologiques de cette affection. Dans les cas les plus typiques, ces tumeurs surviennent chez l'adulte jeune, au niveau des membres inférieurs. Elles évoluent longtemps avant d'entraîner une symptomatologie et de pouvoir être diagnostiquées. Les données cliniques et radiologiques ne permettent pas un diagnostic précoce. Dans cette série le taux de survie à 5 ans est de 43%. Le meilleur élément du pronostic est l'estimation de l'activité mitotique. La conclusion est qu'il faut être extrémement méfiant pour éviter de passer à côté du diagnostic. Une excision large de la tumeur, correctement effectuée, reste la base du traitement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Musgrave Park Hospital, BT9 7JB, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

    S. A. Henderson & R. Davis

  2. Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Science, The Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, BT12 6BA, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

    J. R. Nixon

Authors
  1. S. A. Henderson
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  2. R. Davis
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  3. J. R. Nixon
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Reprint request to: S. A. Henderson

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Henderson, S.A., Davis, R. & Nixon, J.R. Synovial sarcoma: a clinicopathological review. International Orthopaedics 15, 251–255 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00192303

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