Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcoma of the Larynx: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Laryngeal chondrosarcomas are rare, slow-growing, cartilaginous tumors. Dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas, a rare entity of chondrosarcoma, are more aggressive and associated with a more ominous prognosis. Definite diagnosis can be established by incisional biopsy and histopathologic examination. Histopathologic examination reveals a cartilaginous tumor with a malignant spindle cell component. Definitive reatment of dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas of the larynx is total laryngectomy. There have been 14 case reports of laryngeal dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma reported since 1988. The average life expectancy reported is 6 months, and a 5-year survival rate of 10.5%. Case presentation:We present a case of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma arising in the cricoids cartilage of a male patient, who presented with 3-week history of dyspnea, stridor, dysphonia and intermittent aphonia. As a result, he underwent a total laryngectomy, and received adjuvant radiation therapy. Conclusion:Laryngeal dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a rare entity. Symptoms include dyspnea, hoarseness, dysphagia, and a painless neck mass. Due to the aggressiveness of the tumor, it is essential to include it as a differential diagnosis among the other laryngeal tumors.