Dear Editor,
Metastatic tumors of the head and neck represent an exceptionally rare pathological entity which constitutes 1 % of the total number of malignant tumors in the region1. The most common primary tumors that metastasize in the head and neck region are the lungs cancer in men and breast cancer in women2.
We retrospectively studied all patients treated in our department with head and neck cancer from 2000 until 2015. Out of the 2,834 patients with histopathologically confirmed malignant head and neck tumors, 18 patients (0.6 %) had metastatic mass from a distant primary tumor. In these patients (mean age 67.5 years, 6 women, 12 men), we recorded the site and histopathology of the primary tumor, as well as the biopsy confirmation of the histopathology of the metastatic tumor mass and absence of other primary malignancy in the head and neck region following thorough clinical and imaging examination. We excluded from the study patients with metastatic carcinoma of an unknown primary tumor, patients with known distant primary (confirmed pathohistology) whose general medical condition contraindicated a biopsy confirmation of the head and neck metastatic tumor, as well as patients with histopathologically diagnosed myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Demographic data of the 18 patients, including the site of the primary tumor, site of metastasis, time of metastasis after initial diagnosis, status on the last follow-up, and treatment, are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Demographic and clinical data of the 18 patients with metastatic head and neck mass from a distant primary tumor.
M: Male, F: Female, H & N: head and neck, S: Surgical resection, CT: Chemotherapy, RT: Radiotherapy, CRT: Chemoradiotherapy.
In spite of their low incidence, metastatic tumors of the head and neck represent a particular clinical challenge for head and neck surgeons and pathologists. Most patients are diagnosed in an advanced stage of the disease, and therefore, the prognosis is very poor, with survival ranging from 4-38 months. A detailed anamnesis, along with comprehensive clinical examination, appropriate imaging, and tissue biopsy for confirmation of both primary and metastasis are crucial in setting the correct diagnosis, and provide appropriate treatment.
Conflict of interest
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
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