[Chondromas and low-grade chondrosarcomas of the larynx: a case report].

OBJECTIVE

We report a case of cricoid chondroma, underlining the difficulty in establishing a precise differential diagnosis between chondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma of the larynx.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 48-year-old woman developed inspiratory dyspnea. The final diagnosis was cricoid chondroma. We reviewed our case and data in the literature on these cartilaginous tumors.

RESULTS

The patient was treated with conservative surgery. At 18 months follow-up, no recurrence has been detected.

DISCUSSION

These tumors are rarely found in an ENT location and have similar histological features. According to many authors, the clinical course alone enables a distinction between chondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma. Surgical treatment is indicated and provides good phonatory function in the vast majority of the cases.