A Case of Synovial Sarcoma Involved in the Infratemporal Fossa Resected with Subtemporal-Infratemporal Fossa Approach with Hearing Preservation

Abstract

Synovial sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor that usually occurs in the extremities of young adults. Only 10% originates from the head and neck region, where the hypopharynx and retropharynx are the most common involved. Fewer than 100 cases of synovial sarcoma have been reported in this area. The infratemporal region, by virtue of its relatively concealed location, is a difficult site to access. It is considered a mainstay to design an appropriate tech nique to provide maximum exposure with minimal morbidity and preserve hearing ability, which may be achieved by the subtemporal-infratemporal fossa approach. We experienced a 50-year-old female patient who was suffering from right infratemporal fossa mass. We report this rare case that was successfully removed via this approach with a literature review. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2012;55:444-8