Chondrosarcoma of the Larynx: A Single Institute Experience

Objective Chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor of the head and neck, accounting for approximately 0.1% of all head and neck malignancies and 1% to 2% of laryngeal neoplasm.

Study Design A retrospective review of laryngeal chondrosarcoma cases in the past 20 years was done.

Patients and Methods Six patients diagnosed with laryngeal chondrosarcoma were included in the study. The clinical presentations, diagnostic work-up, management and outcome were presented.

Results All patients were male, between 45-60 years old. All patients presented with voice changes, dyspnea later on stridor that required tracheostomy to secure airway. The site of origin was the cricoid cartilage in 3 cases, the thyroid cartilage in two cases and the arytenoid cartilage in one case. All patients underwent total laryngectomy depending on clinical presentation & size of lesion.

Conclusions Laryngeal chondrosarcoma is a slowly growing tumor that is rarely metastasizing to neck lymph nodes. Airway obstruction is the most presenting symptoms. Endoscopic debulking is the preferable treatment option with close follow up. Once the patient needs tracheostomy, a sort of laryngectomy (Mostly total laryngectomy) is recommended. No chemo-radiotherapy is recommended for organ preservation protocol.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022