Chondrosarcoma of the larynx

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare tumor. The most common symptom is hoarseness. Treatment is controversial.To describe six patients with laryngeal chondrosarcoma from a single center.The medical records of a major tertiary hospital were reviewed for all patients with laryngeal chondrosarcoma diagnosed and treated from 1959 to 2010. Data on background, clinical treatment and outcome were collected.Six patients, all males with a mean age of 53.3 years, were identified. Partial laryngectomy was performed in three patients, and total laryngectomy, local excision, and partial cricoidectomy in one patient each. Four patients had a permanent tracheostomy after surgery. One patient required postoperative chemotherapy and one radiotherapy. Follow-up time was 12-216 months (mean 102 months). Recurrence developed in two patients 2 and 8 years after initial treatment and was treated by salvage surgery in both patients. One patient died during the follow-up from an unrelated cause. The others are currently alive.This study supports earlier reports recommending initial treatment with partial or total laryngectomy for laryngeal chondrosarcoma. Long-term follow-up for recurrence is advised. We recommend preserving the larynx, if possible, even if a permanent tracheostomy is necessary.