Common Age for Synovial Sarcoma
Synovial sarcoma most commonly affects adolescents and young adults, with peak incidence in the 15-30 year age range, though it can occur at any age. 1, 2
Age Distribution
The typical age profile for synovial sarcoma diagnosis includes:
- Peak incidence: 15-30 years of age 2
- Median age: Approximately 30 years 3
- Secondary peak: Fourth decade of life (30-40 years) 1
- Pediatric cases: Predominantly occur in the second decade of life (10-20 years) when affecting patients under 20 years old 3
Approximately 70% of cases occur in patients older than 20 years, while about 30% affect those younger than 20 years. 3
Age as a Prognostic Factor
Age significantly impacts prognosis and should guide treatment intensity. 4
- Younger patients (<25 years) have substantially better outcomes, with 88% overall disease-free survival when combined with small tumor size (<5 cm) and well-differentiated histology 4
- Older patients (≥25 years) face higher risk, with only 18% overall disease-free survival when combined with large tumor size (≥5 cm) and poorly differentiated histology 4
- Older age at diagnosis is an independent risk factor for both metastasis and tumor-related death in multivariate analysis 4
Clinical Context
While synovial sarcoma classically affects young adults near large joints in the extremities, it can arise at any anatomical site and at any age, including rare presentations in the pleural cavity affecting adolescents and young adults between 15-40 years. 5 The wide age range (documented cases from 9-74 years) emphasizes the need to maintain diagnostic suspicion across all age groups. 4