Solitary fibrous tumors of the head and neck. Review

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the head and neck is a quite rare disease. Because the number of clinical reports is scarce, to draw definite conclusions on management of SFT is quite difficult. However, certain regularities were observed. Patients’ age varies from 20 to 70 years. No age and ethnic predominance in the disease development and tumor progression is observed. SFT is typically benign slow growing tumor, its malignant variant occurs rarely. Modern diagnostic methods, such as magnetic-resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography, X-ray computed tomography, ultrasound examination are not sensitive enough to detect specific signs of the tumor. Modalities used for treatment of SFT can be conditionally divided in two types: radical and palliative. Surgical and endoscopic approaches, as well as variety of ablation techniques may be considered as radical treatment. Delayed results of surgical treatment are very good. If radical surgery or non-radical resection are impossible in certain cases, radiation therapy is used as palliative treatment. In most cases the definite diagnosis can be made on the basis on results of morphological analysis, immunohistochemical tests of the removed tumor and assessment of tumor angioarchitecture.