Cricoid chondrosarcoma coexisting with a thyroid mass: case report and review of the literature

Laryngeal chondrosarcomas are rare cartilaginous tumors that usually present with hoarseness, dyspnea and, occasionally, dysphagia and dysphonia. We report the case of a low-grade chondrosarcoma of the cricoid cartilage coexisting with a right thyroid nodule, which presented with homolateral vocal fold paralysis. After a precautionary tracheotomy the patient underwent a laryngofissure in which the mass arising from the posterior plate of the cricoid cartilage was entirely enucleated. The histopathological analysis was compatible with a low-grade chondrosarcoma involving the posterior resection margin. For this reason, in agreement with the patient's wishes, a total laryngectomy and simultaneous right hemithyroidectomy were performed. We here discuss the peculiarity of the presentation and the therapeutic dilemma posed by this rare neoplasm.