Chondrosarcoma of the larynx: report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Primary chondroid tumors of the larynx represent less than 1% of all laryngeal tumors. Most of them are chondromas and they often involve to the cricoid cartilage. They are characterized by a low tendency to metastatic diffusion (low grade). The treatment of choice is surgery, which may be endoscopic or "open partial surgery", if extension of the cancer is limited. Prognosis is generally good. In this report, two cases of low grade chondrosarcoma of the larynx are presented, one was treated surgically with cricoidectomy and partial laryngectomy, and another was treated surgically with hemicricoidectomy. Laryngoscopy reveals tumefaction of the larynx, covered by intact mucosa. Computerized tomography imaging with contrast and magnetic resonance imaging defines not only coarse calcifications, pathognomonic of chondromatous neoformations but also the relationship of the neoformation with the surrounding tissues. Treatment is essentially surgical, given the importance of preserving the larynx to patients' quality of life, the only risk is recurrence, which is treated by a second surgery.

Keywords: Chondrosarcoma; laryngectomy; larynx.

Figure 1

Computerized tomography (CT) scan showing mass arising from the left arytenoid with areas of mottled calcification and erosion.

Figure 2

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning showed mass arising from the left arytenoid cartilage, and showed clear margins and no infiltrations of the adjacent surgical area.

Figure 3

Histopathology showing lobular and patchily hypercellular proliferation of atypical chondrocytes. Magnification × 100.

Figure 4

CT scan showed no evidence of recurrence after one year postoperation.

Figure 5

Endoscopic examination shown a mass was covered by intact mucosa. The lesion was scraped from posterior wall of cricoid cartilage.

Figure 6

Computerized tomography (CT) scan showing mass arising from the left cricoid with areas of mottled calcification and erosion.

Figure 7

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning showed a high signal intensity mass indicating chondroid matrix arising from the left cricoid cartilage.

Figure 8

Histopathology showing hypocellular and homogenous appearance of tumor. Tumor cells are small, oval-round shaped (no mitosis and atypia). Magnification × 200.