Chondrosarcoma of the Head and Neck

Abstract

Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck region is a rare disease, representing approximately 0.1% of all head and neck neoplasms. The 5-year survival rate of chondrosarcoma is 70-80%, showing relatively good prognosis; however, it is known to progress slowly and eventually cause multiple metastases. In this study, we reviewed chondrosarcoma cases experienced at Yonsei University Medical College during the last 15 years to investigate its clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. The medical records of 8 patients who were diagnosed with chondrosarcoma of the head and neck region and underwent surgical treatment between December 1990 and December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary sites were sinus, mastoid, jugular foramen and thyroid cartilage. In all patients, the initial treatment modality was surgery, and postoperative radiation therapy was performed in 4 cases. The pathological findings showed chondrosarcoma in 7 cases and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in 1 case. The treatment outcome resulted in 3 cases of recurrence, of which 2 cases were treated successfully and the other case expired of disease, indicating a survival rate of 87.5%. In the case that resulted in death, complete excision could not be achieved. Therefore, we concluded that wide excision is a beneficial initial treatment of this rare disease.

An 8-year Pattern of Orofacial Sarcoma from the National Referral Hospital in United Republic of Tanzania

“…Most of the studies report almost similar mean age for occurrence of chondrosarcoma in the head and neck region. 12,13,19,29,30 We report higher incidence of chondrosarcoma in female patients, similar to reports from Peru. 12 Two studies from Asia, however, reported no sex preference, 13,29 while a Nigerian study and Brazilian study reported higher prevalence in males.…”

“…29 Chondrosarcoma was found to be present in 5.8% of all sarcomas in this series, with higher incidence in females compared with males (2:1), with mean age of 37.7 years. Most of the studies report almost similar mean age for occurrence of chondrosarcoma in the head and neck region.…”

High control rate in patients with chondrosarcoma of the skull base after carbon ion therapy: First report of long‐term results

“…The mean age of patients at the time of first diagnosis is 40 years and a skull base location is reported in approximately 5% to 12% of cases. 1 According to Evans et al, the 5-year survival rates in patients with grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 chondrosarcoma are 90%, 81%, and 43%, respectively. 2 Because metastatic disease is very rare in patients with grade 1/grade 2 chondrosarcoma of the skull base, sufficient local control (LC) is the most important prognostic factor.…”

Chondrosarcoma in the mental foramen region of the mandible: A case report

“…For these tumors, local recurrence is more common than distant metastasis (15), and there is a relatively good association between tumor grade and prognosis. Tumor grade and resectability are the most important prognostic factors for head and neck chondrosarcomas (9). These factors make the early diagnosis and complete resection of the tumor extremely important for the prognosis of the patient (16).…”

“…To date, the clinical course, histogenesis, cytogenetics and prognosis for chondrosarcomas remain largely unknown (8). The treatment for the tumor depends on the outcome of surgical resection, and the prognosis for patients with chondrosarcomas is good when the tumors are completely resected (9). The occurrence of chondrosarcoma in the mental foramen region of the mandible is an exceptional event.…”