Cartilaginous tumors of the larynxA clinicopathologic study of 10 new cases and a review of the literature

An osteochondroma, a chondroma, 2 low-grade chondrosarcomas, and 6 higher grade chondrosarcomas of the larynx are reported. The borderline or low-grade sarcoma, although histologically distinct, is often underdiagnosed as chondroma. It has plump nuclei, focal areas of nuclear atypicality, and irregular cell clustering. Six of 6 chondrosarcomas without laryngectomy recurred in 2 to 5 years, and one metastasized to the lung 13 years later. Two of the 37 chondromas in the literature reviewed spread to the lung within 2 years. Conservative management is warranted in cartilaginous tumors if removal is complete.