Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcomas of the Larynx: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature^†

Objective To analyze the long-term clinical outcome of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma or chondrosarcoma with additional malignant mesenchymal component (CAMMC) of the larynx and compare the results with those of axial chondrosarcomas.

Study Design/Methods Two patients with CAMMC of the larynx (0.03%) were retrospectively identified within the archives of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology between 1970 and 2001. We compared the clinical and histologic features of these two cases with those reported in the English literature (Medline 1966–2001) (Table I).

Results Patient no. 1 was a 67-year-old man who presented with a 12-month history of hoarseness and was found to have a 4-cm mass involving the cricoid cartilage. Enucleation was performed and histologically demonstrated a dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Without additional intervention, the patient died after 136 months without evidence of disease. Patient no. 2 was a 41-year-old man who also presented with a 12-month history of hoarseness and dysphagia and was found to have a 5-cm mass involving the cricoid cartilage. A total laryngectomy was performed for the dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. He is alive without evidence of disease at last contact (91 mo).

Conclusion CAMMC of the larynx are rare tumors but have a better prognosis than their axial counterparts (mean, 6 mo). Initial voice-sparing surgery can be followed with more aggressive surgery if recurrences develop.