Long-Term Outcome and Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Head and Neck Sarcoma during Pediatric Age: Considerations from a Series of 4 Cases
Martina Buchignani,
Arrigo Pellacani,
Sara Negrello,
Mattia Di Bartolomeo,
Monica Cellini,
Alessia Pancaldi,
Alessandra Buttafoco,
Camilla Migliozzi,
Lorenzo Iughetti,
Luigi Chiarini,
Alexandre Anesi
Affiliations
Martina Buchignani
Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Arrigo Pellacani
Unit of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant Department, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
Sara Negrello
Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Modena, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Mattia Di Bartolomeo
Unit of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant Department, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
Monica Cellini
Pediatric Onco-Haematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Alessia Pancaldi
Pediatric Onco-Haematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Alessandra Buttafoco
Pediatric Onco-Haematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Camilla Migliozzi
Unit of Psychology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Lorenzo Iughetti
Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Luigi Chiarini
Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Alexandre Anesi
Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
Pediatric sarcomas are rare malignancies accounting for about 10% of solid tumors in childhood. Sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies, especially they include Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Type Sarcomas (STSNR). Therapeutic management of pediatric sarcomas is challenging. Multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy is the treatment of choice. The correct management of affected patients can be demanding, especially in terms of preserving a good quality of life (QoL). In the present study we described our experience with a series of patients diagnosed with head and neck non-metastatic sarcoma between January 1995 and December 2020, referred to Pediatric Oncology or to Maxillo-Facial Surgery of University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia.The survivors were asked to complete questionnaires on health-related quality of life (HRQoL; PedsQL and EORTC QLQ-H&N 43). We found satisfactory results in terms of global HRQoL; although outstanding issues persist, such as deterioration in masticatory function, and speech. Long-term sequelae of multimodality treatment may lead to both significant aesthetic-functional and psychosocial implications that need to be further investigate during the whole the care pathway.
