DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i01.006

Pages: 29-39

Introduction: Cancer is among the ten leading causes of death in India, and head and neck neoplasia in India accounts for 23% of cancers in males and 6% in females. They encompass a diverse group of uncommon tumors that frequently are aggressive in their biologic behavior. Aims & Objectives: Considering the magnitude of the problem in India and the associated high morbidity and mortality we undertook this study to focus on the rare and unusual head and neck malignancies. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study of unusual malignancies diagnosed in head and neck swellings. Result: A spectrum of rare malignancies was encountered including chondrosarcoma of the maxillary sinus and ocular surface squamous cell neoplasia. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma presenting as an infra clavicular swelling, polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma of the hard palate and clear cell carcinoma of minor salivary gland were some of the other rare tumors reported. Rare thyroid malignancies included poorly differentiated carcinoma and extramedullary plasmacytoma of thyroid. Few uncommon benign tumors were also reported including schwannoma of left side neck and plexiform neurofibroma of the lip. Conclusion: The need of the hour is to prioritize control and early detection of head and neck cancer in India with special emphasis on the uncommon entities. An awareness of rare entities is important to implement cancer control activities and fast track the diagnosis and management so as to deliver utmost benefit to patients.