Educational objective: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants should be familiar with the clinical and pathologic features of collision tumors in the head and neck.
Objectives: Present a case of collision tumor of the head and neck consisting of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and B-cell lymphoma. Review the literature on collision tumors of the head and neck.
Study design: Case report.
Methods: Retrospective case review including a review of the relevant literature.
Results: The case of a 73 year-old-man with collision tumor of the cervical lymph nodes is presented. He had a history of resection of a squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal ala seven years prior to presentation with a neck mass. Fine needle aspiration of the mass was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma and he underwent neck dissection. Pathology revealed both squamous cell carcinoma and low grade B cell lymphoma in the same cervical lymph nodes. The patient underwent post-operative concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy directed at the squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequently, he initiated chemotherapy directed at the lymphoma.
Conclusions: Collision tumors are rare entities that consist of two neoplasms of distinct origin found in a single anatomic location. In the head and neck, collision tumors often involve an incidental well-differentiated thyroid malignancy. Collision tumor involving metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma is an exceedingly rare finding. A multidisciplinary team approach is required to optimize and coordinate management of these synchronous malignancies.