Diagnostic Approach for Cricoid Cartilage Tumors

Tumors of the cricoid cartilage are rare, with chondroma and chondrosarcoma being the most common histologic types. Clinical presentation is often insidious and symptoms usually appear when the lesion enlarges significantly or invades surrounding structures. Differentiating benign chondroma from low-grade chondrosarcoma remains challenging due to overlapping imaging findings and nonspecific clinical presentation. Histopathological examination following biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.

We present the case of a middle-aged male patient with a posterior cricoid cartilage lesion in whom a transcervical biopsy was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis while avoiding tracheostomy. This approach provided safe access to the tumor while preserving cricoid stability and laryngeal function and minimizing unnecessary morbidity. Imaging modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, were used in combination with flexible endoscopy and intraoperative neuromonitoring to guide diagnostic and management decisions.

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with cricoid cartilage tumors and demonstrates that transcervical biopsy may represent a safe and effective diagnostic approach in selected cases. Careful preoperative planning and individualized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are essential for optimal management and functional preservation.