[Four cases of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma in the head and neck and literature review].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical features,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of the extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma in the head and neck.

METHOD: The clinical data of four cases of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma was analysed and relevant literatures were reviewed.

RESULT: Two cases originated from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, the other two cases originated from the oral pharynx and skin respectively. The tumors were all diagnosed via histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Two cases were treated by combined modality therapy and did not recur or metastasize after follow-up for 7 months and 7 years respectively. Another one was treated by surgery and died after 6 months of follow-up. The remaining one was treated by chemotherapy and died with metastasis during the period of therapy.

CONCLUSION

The extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma, which is rare arising from the head and neck, has non-specific clinical manifestation and difficulty in early diagnosis. The disease can be effectively treated by combined therapy, but the high recurrent and metastatic rates usually result in poor prognosis.