A new clinical manifestation for cheek alveolar soft-part sarcoma: a case report and review of the literature

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2014 Apr;72(4):817-22. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2013.10.019. Epub 2013 Oct 31.

Abstract

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare, histologically distinct, soft tissue malignancy with nonspecific clinical features usually described as a nonulcerated, painless, expanding mass. It has a pseudoalveolar appearance with clustered polygonal cells lacking central cohesion. It accounts for approximately 0.5 to 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas. It has a strong predilection for adolescents and young adults 15 to 35 years old, with a female predominance. In general, ASPS grows slowly, with a predilection for the trunk and extremities and rarely in the head and neck region. A literature review found only 11 cases of cheek ASPS that have been reported since 1952. This report describes the case of an unusually rapidly growing mass in the cheek of a 36-year-old woman. The superficial location of the mass led to early detection and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cheek / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Muscles / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Free Tissue Flaps
  • Humans
  • Lip Neoplasms / pathology
  • Masseter Muscle / pathology
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Mouth Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Muscle Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Sarcoma, Alveolar Soft Part / diagnosis*