[Clinical aspects and pathology of chondromatous tumors of the larynx].

Two cases of chondroma of the larynx are presented: After the first laryngofissure and excision both tumours recurred so that several operations became necessary. A transformation from chondroma to chondrosarcoma was observed based on repeated histological examinations. In the first patient pulmonary metastases and a recurrence at the tracheostomy appeared 11 years after presentation and 41/2 years after laryngectomy. In the other female patient no obvious signs of the neoplasm are present 9 years after presentation, and 4 months after the last operation for recurrence, but the prognosis remains undetermined. 101 cases of chondrosarcoma from the literature plus our 2 observations are listed and compared with 130 chondrosarcomas of the skeleton. Contrary to previous opinions, we conclude that chondrosarcoma of the larynx behaves in the same malignant manner as those of the skeleton. Some develop metastases quickly, others only after years and after at least one operation for recurrence. We could demonstrate that a detailed histological examination allows the prognosis to be assessed. Additional risk factors were also investigated. These two cases enable a better and more reliable judgement to be made of the prospective biological behaviour of chondromatous tumours of the larynx and at an earlier period of time of the process.