Chondrosarcoma of the epiglottis: report of a case treated with CO2 laser epiglottectomy

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare slow-growing malignant tumour with approximately 240 cases reported in the literature: the cricoid cartilage is the most commonly affected site (72-75%), in rare case was described of epiglottis (1-2%). We report a case of a chondrosarcoma of the epiglottis treated with CO2 laser epiglottectomy. The patient was referred with dysphonia, dysphagia and halitosis that started four months before. Indirect laryngoscopy revealed a large smooth mass with a roundish appearance and a pearly-grey colour, as big as a nut, apparently arising from the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis, causing obliteration of the piriform fossa. The definitive histopathological report showed microscopically, the tumour was low-grade (grade I) chondrosarcoma. A literature review regarding chondrosarcomas of the epiglottis is presented. The diagnosis, histology and treatment of these tumours are discussed. In particular we examine the controversy of conservative surgery vs. total laryngectomy. A conservative surgical approach is typically appropriate in light of this tumour's low-aggressive nature.