Chondroma and chondrosarcoma of the larynx

The purpose of this review is to give a detailed description of chondroma and chondrosarcoma of the larynx and to put into perspective new findings from recent literature.

Recent findings indicate that chondroma and chondrosarcoma of the larynx are closely related, either synchronously (areas of both tumor types within the same lesion) or metachronously (malignant transformation of chondroma over time). It is questioned whether the grading of Lichtenstein and Jaffe, and Evans et al. should be used in the larynx, because these grading systems were designed for chondrosarcoma of the long bones. Chondrosarcomas of the larynx seems to behave more like chondrosarcomas of the phalanx, because they too hardly ever metastasize or cause tumor-related deaths. Both CT and MRI play an important role in the workup of these tumors, but they cannot be used to differentiate between both tumor types. No new treatment modalities have emerged recently and surgery is still the treatment of choice. Tracheal autotransplantation may play an increasing role in the treatment of cricoid tumors because it allows for wide resection and optimal revalidation.

It is now firmly established that metastasis in chondrosarcoma is a poor prognostic sign, but is very rare. Without metastasis the prognosis is excellent. Cartilaginous tumors of the larynx are rare. Clinical, radiologic and pathologic characteristics of these tumors are described and a review of treatment modalities is presented. Wide excision with clear margins is usually indicated. The authors recommend that the management of cartilaginous tumors of the larynx be multidisciplinary and centralized in dedicated referral centers.