An unexpected synovial sarcoma of the parotid gland: a rare localization

Abstract

Primary synovial sarcoma of the parotid gland is exceptionally uncommon, with few cases reported in the literature. This is a report of a 46-year-old male with a 7-month history of swelling in the left parotid region occurred after a kidney transplant. Synovial sarcoma clinically and radiologically mimicked a benign lesion and was therefore difficult to diagnose. The patient was treated primarily surgically, followed by radiotherapy. The present case shows that, although uncommon, synovial sarcomas should always be included in the differential diagnosis of a mass in the parotid gland, even if clinical presentation and imaging tend to make a dissimilar diagnosis. It is important to recognize a synovial sarcoma to make proper management. A multimodality therapeutic approach and a long-term follow-up are necessary because of its late loco-regional and systemic spread.