Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck. The UCLA experience, 1955-1988

Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck is a rare tumor. In an attempt to clarify optimal treatment of these lesions, we reviewed the records and pathologic material of 18 consecutive cases of head and neck chondrosarcoma seen at our institution between 1955 and 1988. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 168 months with a median of 72. Absolute 5-year survival was 68% (11/16), with 9/16 (56%) patients surviving disease-free. Grade was the most important prognostic factor. Only one of 7 (14%) patients known to have high grade histology was rendered disease-free, as opposed to 9/10 (90%) with low-grade lesions. Tumor size and completeness of surgical resection were also important prognostic factors. Four of 10 patients managed initially with surgery alone achieved local control with greater than 5-year survival. All four had low-grade lesions. Five patients received surgery and radiation as primary treatment, and three are disease-free with greater than 5-year follow-up. Two of these were irradiated because of positive margins. One patient received radiation alone and has persistent disease. Two patients received combined chemotherapy and surgery because of high-grade lesions, and one is free of disease with greater than 5-year follow-up. Patients with incomplete resections should receive further surgery or postoperative radiation therapy. High-grade lesions should be treated aggressively.