CHONDROSARCOMA OF THE LARYNX

A case of a low grade chondrosarcoma of the cricoid cartilage which ha d been diagnosed initially as a chondroma is presented. The tumour rec urred twice after limited surgical resections. Total laryngectomy was inevitable due to near total involvement of the cricoid cartilage and subsequent histological examination revealed a low grade chondrosarcom a. We have discussed in brief, the diagnosis and treatment of chondros arcomas of the larynx and support the view of conservative surgical ma nagement for low grade tumours as they are slow growing and metastases are infrequent. A total laryngectomy may be reserved for salvage or p rimarily when more than half of the cricoid cartilage needs to be rese cted. Histological grading reveals the biological behaviour of the tum our and CT scans help in planning the surgery. A regular follow-up is necessary for early detection of recurrences and metastases.