Neck Epithelioid Sarcoma at an Unusual Location Mimicking Lymph Node Metastases of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report

TL;DR

A rare case of neck epithelioid sarcoma was initially mistaken for lymph node metastases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, highlighting the diagnostic challenges of this uncommon tumor.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on neck epithelioid sarcoma and emphasizes its diagnostic difficulties.

Findings

Epithelioid sarcoma in the neck is extremely rare and often misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other tumors.

The case highlights the importance of careful histological and immunohistochemical analysis for accurate diagnosis.

The patient received palliative chemotherapy, underscoring the limited treatment options for advanced cases.

Abstract

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon soft tissue sarcoma. It is usually located in the extremities and exceptionally in the neck. Its diagnosis constitutes a real challenge which is based on histology and immunohistochemistry staining that must be interpreted with caution given the anatomopathological similarities to other tumors. In this article, we report a case of a 37-year-old man admitted for a locally advanced ES of the neck. There were suspicions of lymph node metastases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the first pathological examination. The patient received palliative chemotherapy and was referred to the supportive care department. Through this case, we will discuss the clinical and anatomopathological characteristics and therapeutic options of this extremely rare tumor which poses a diagnostic challenge.

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