Osteosarcoma of the soft tissue of the larynx: report of a case with light and electron microscopic studies.

A case of osteosarcoma arising in the soft tissue of the larynx in an elderly man is presented with light and electron microscopic documentation. The patient developed chronic hoarseness and a recurring polypoid laryngeal tumor, causing acute airway obstruction. He was treated by total laryngectomy, but he died with multiple pulmonary metastases within three months of laryngectomy. This is the third (or possibly fourth) recorded case of osteosarcoma arising in the soft tissues of the larynx, and the previous cases were clinically and pathologically similar to this one. The prognosis of sarcoma of the larynx is poor but may be improved with early recognition and adequate surgical excision.