Chondrosarcoma of the larynx

Abstract

Background: Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare tumor. The most common symptom is hoarseness. Treatment is controversial. Objectives: To describe six patients with laryngeal chon- drosarcoma from a single center. methods: The medical records of a major tertiary hos- pital were reviewed for all patients with laryngeal chon- drosarcoma diagnosed and treated from 1959 to 2010. Data on background, clinical treatment and outcome were collected. results: Six patients, all males with a mean age of 53.3 years, were identifed. Partial laryngectomy was performed in three patients, and total laryngectomy, local excision, and partial cricoidectomy in one patient each. Four patients had a permanent tracheostomy after surgery. One patient required postoperative chemotherapy and one radiotherapy. Follow-up time was 12-216 months (mean 102 months). Recurrence developed in two patients 2 and 8 years after initial treatment and was treated by salvage surgery in both patients. One patient died during the follow-up from an unrelated cause. The others are currently alive. conclusions: This study supports earlier reports rec- ommending initial treatment with partial or total laryngectomy for laryngeal chondrosarcoma. Long-term follow-up for recurrence is advised. We recommend preserving the larynx, if possible, even if a permanent tracheostomy is necessary.