Chondrosarcoma of the jugular foramen

Chondrosarcoma, although uncommon, must be included in the differential diagnosis of skull base tumors. The potential for morbidity and mortality, similar to other lesions located at this anatomic site, is related to compromise of adjacent vital neurovascular structures. Optimal surgical management is controversial and reliant on adequate tumor exposure. A case of myxoid chondrosarcoma of the jugular foramen is presented with a review of the common presenting signs and symptoms along with the radiographic and histologic features of these lesions. The surgical approach to chondrosarcoma and other lesions at this location has undergone an evolution in technique in recent years. This report details the approach used by the authors, which allows for reconstruction of the skull base with subsequent normal anatomic contour and functional hearing. The technique employs hydroxylapatite for reconstruction, which has not been previously described in skull base applications.