Clear cell chondrosarcoma of the larynx

Abstract

Chondrosarcomas represent a group of malignant tumours composed of cells producing cartilage, and clear cell chondrosarcomas (CCC) represent a variant of these. A rare case of a laryngeal CCC is presented. The patient was a 70-year-old man who presented with a 6-week history of throat pain, worsening dysphonia and a lump in the neck. Examination revealed a level 3 neck mass and positron emission tomography imaging revealed a metabolically active right laryngeal mass. Biopsies revealed a cartilaginous neoplasm. The patient underwent total laryngectomy, and the pathology confirmed CCC of the larynx. Chondrosarcomas are the most common type of sarcoma in the larynx but the CCC variant is rare. CCC are usually low-grade tumours affecting long bones, with a male predominance. Less than six cases have been described in the literature affecting the larynx. Management of these malignancies is complete surgical excision given the high risk of local recurrence.

Keywords: ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology; head and neck cancer; otolaryngology / ent.

Figure 1

CT of a large tumour mass arising from the right glottic region with extensive calcification causing compression and distortion of the midline structures.

Figure 2

Positron emission tomography of a moderately metabolically active lesion centred on the right larynx. The intensely calcified component is not active but there is a rim of intense activity surrounding this and extending to involve the left cricoid cartilage and possibly the right hyoid.