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  • Title: Dumbbell synovial sarcoma of the thoracolumbar spine: a case report.
    Author: Ravnik J, Potrc S, Kavalar R, Ravnik M, Zakotnik B, Bunc G.
    Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976); 2009 May 01; 34(10):E363-6. PubMed ID: 19404166.
    Abstract:
    STUDY DESIGN: A case report is of a giant dumbbell-shaped synovial sarcoma of the thoracolumbar spine is presented. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a rare dumbbell-shaped tumor treated by multimodal approach. Surgical procedures, adjuvant treatment, and outcome were discussed. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Synovial sarcomas of the spine are very rare tumors. Radical surgical resection is the goal, but is often not feasible. Dumbbell-shaped spinal synovial sarcoma with a giant extraspinal extension has not yet been reported. The rationale for 2-step surgical procedure and adjuvant therapy is discussed in light of the clinical picture, preoperative imaging and extension of the disease. METHODS: A 32-year-old male patient presented with signs of quickly progressive paraparesis. A dumbbell-shaped tumor at the level Th12-L1 was found with a giant retroperitoneal extension. Tumor was nonradically excised in a 2-step operation: first through a dorsal approach with laminectomy and removal of the intraspinal extradural part, and later through a laparotomy with removal of the retroperitoneal part. Histologic examination revealed highly malignant synovial sarcoma. Patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery. RESULTS: Patient was in remission and symptom free for 1 year after surgery; he then developed a local recurrence and died soon afterwards. CONCLUSION: A good treatment result was achieved initially. A combined approach in cases like this is warranted, with as radical surgery as possible in order to avoid local recurrence, a common cause of treatment failure in sarcomas.
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