Hyoid chondroma presenting as an external neck mass

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Chondromas are rare cartilaginous neoplasms.
• Tumors of the hyoid bone are infrequently reported.
• Neck masses in the carotid triangle require thorough differential diagnosis.

Observation:

• A 33-year-old woman presented with a left-sided neck mass in the carotid triangle.
• Imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass originating from the left greater cornu of the hyoid bone.
• Surgical excision via a transcervical approach was performed.

Findings:

• Pathologic diagnosis confirmed the mass as a chondroma of the hyoid bone.
• This represents a rare instance of a cartilaginous tumor affecting the hyoid bone.

Implications:

• Expert radiologic and pathologic review is crucial for diagnosing cartilaginous neoplasms.
• Hyoid bone chondromas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck masses.
• This case expands the understanding of rare laryngeal and hyoid bone neoplasms.