Synovial sarcoma of the head and neck: Chromosomal translocation (X;18) as a diagnostic aid

Background Synovial sarcoma, a rare tumor in the head and neck, has been historically diagnosed by its characteristic biphasic histologic pattern. Monophasic variants exist which can be difficult to diagnose. Methods Two cases of synovial sarcoma of the head and neck are presented. In both cases, cytogenetic analysis was performed using standard protocols. Results Both tumors demonstrated a chromosomal translocation, t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2), which either made or confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusions Synovial sarcoma contains a characteristic chromosomal translocation which is a useful diagnostic tool, especially when histologic studies are equivocal. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19:549–553, 1997.