Solitary Fibrous Tumors in the Head and Neck: Comprehensive Review and Analysis

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) arising in the head and neck region are uncommon yet well-recognized entities. Their biologic behavior and management still need to be elucidated. Systematically reviewing all published cases of SFT involving the head and neck region since 1991, a pooled meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate various demographic and tumor characteristics. 587 SFT in the head and neck have been reported; 343 met pooled analysis inclusion criteria. 61% of cases presented as a new mass; 89% were painless. Median onset of symptoms prior to evaluation was 8 months. Pre-operative local invasion and malignant histological features (hemorrhage, necrosis, mitoses > 4/10 hpf) were not statistically associated with decreased recurrence-free survival. Positive surgical margins was the only factor associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (p < 0.001). The evidence presented herein reveals novel associations between clinical presentation and tumor characteristics that provide otolaryngologists with new insight into SFT tumor behavior, thus prompting further investigations.