Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Oropharyngeal Lateral Wall: A Case Report and Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare oropharyngeal SFT in an elderly woman, highlighting diagnostic and treatment challenges and the importance of molecular confirmation.

Contribution

The paper adds to the limited literature on SFTs in rare head and neck locations and emphasizes the need for molecular diagnosis.

Findings

The patient's tumor showed typical SFT characteristics confirmed by STAT6 nuclear staining.

The tumor recurred quickly after initial surgery, causing significant health issues.

The patient was classified as intermediate risk for metastasis and tumor-related death.

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) of the head and neck are rare, and involvement of the oropharynx is very uncommon. We present the case of an 85-year-old woman who developed a rapidly growing SFT from the lateral pharyngeal wall. This growth caused significant airway blockage and required urgent surgical removal. After the initial surgery, the tumor recurred quickly and resulted in considerable health problems. Histopathology showed typical SFT characteristics, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis with strong STAT6 nuclear staining. Risk assessment placed the patient in the intermediate-risk category for metastasis and tumor-related death. The patient chose not to pursue further cancer treatment. Early recurrence was noted, and she later passed away from unrelated causes.

This report highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating oropharyngeal SFTs. It emphasizes the need for molecular confirmation and adds to the limited research on SFTs in rare head and neck locations.

Figures