Synovial sarcoma of the mandible

The term synovial sarcoma was first proposed for the histologically well defined entity by Knox in 1936. The name was proposed due to the fact that at least the cases reported in the early part showed some resemblance of the tumour to normal synovial tissue histologically. Thereafter, tumours have been diagnosed from areas without synovial tissue. The diagnosis of monophasic tumours can be difficult and immunostains appear to be a good diagnostic tool in those cases. The occurrence in the mandible is extremely rare. This is a case of synovial sarcoma arising in the condyle involving most of the ramus. The tumour was diagnosed as synovial sarcoma with predominant spindle cell component by correlation of histopathology with immunostains (cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, actin and desmin). The patient has been treated with surgery and radiotherapy.