A Rare Chondrosarcoma of the Larynx Presenting as Difficult Intubation: Report of a Case and Literature Review

Abstract

Chondrosarcomas of the larynx are rare tumors, representing less than 0.2% of all head and neck malignancies [1]. In this report, we present an unusual case of an undiagnosed chrondrosarcoma of the larynx presenting as difficult intubation in an otherwise asymptomatic patient. Difficult intubation in an otherwise asymptomatic patient has not been reported as an initial presentation of this tumor. Men are more commonly affected than women (3.6: 1), and the tumors typically present in the fifth or sixth decade of life. Patients may present with dyspnea, dysphagia, hoarseness of the voice, airway obstruction and some may have pain as a result of expansion of this tumor. The tumors almost always arise from hyaline cartilage, with the most common site of involvement the cricoid cartilage (75%), specifically the posterior lamina, with the thyroid cartilage and arytenoid cartilage less frequently involved. Though locally invasive, these tumors are characterized by a low tendency for distant metastasis and the overall prognosis following excision is excellent [2].