Chondrosarcoma of the anterior cranial fossa. Report of two cases

Chondrosarcomas located in the anterior cranial fossa are rare. They usually invade the ethmoid sinus and may involve the orbit. We observed two such cases in the last five years, during which approximately 10.000 patients with histologically verified brain tumors were admitted to our Institution. CT and MRI represented the chief diagnostic tests. A combined staged procedure using an initial subfrontal approach, followed by a lateral rhynotomy at a later stage, was performed in the patients described herein. Total tumor removal was possible in both cases. Radiotherapy was not administered to the second patient, in whom surgery allowed gross total removal of the mass. Experience with the present cases of anterior fossa chondrosarcoma, though limited, is encouraging. The pertinent literature is reviewed, and guide-lines for the management of these rare tumors are outlined.