CHONDROSARCOMA OF THE LARYNX

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare, slow-growing malignant tumor. One hundred and fifty cases of this entity have been reported in the l iterature. In 75% of cases the site of involvement was the cricoid car tilage, while 20% have involved the thyroid cartilage. The tumor prese nts as a space-occupying lesion in the subglottic region, or as a neck mass. An insidious, slowly progressing disease course associated with hoarseness and dyspnea accounts for usual delays in arriving at a dia gnosis. We report our experiences with six cases of this entity and di scuss a diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Whenever possible a conse rvative surgical management should be attempted.