Cartilaginous tumors of the larynx. A report of two cases with definitive diagnosis by fine needle aspiration and computed tomography.
BACKGROUND
Cartilaginous tumors of the larynx are rate tumors with an indolent course. In the past they were diagnosed by radiographic or computed tomographic imaging and laryngoscopic or surgical biopsy. The literature contains few examples of fine needle aspiration biopsy of these tumors.


METHODS
Smears of the fine needle aspirates from two cases of cartilaginous tumors of the larynx consisted of a mucinous background containing chondroid fragments of benign-appearing lacunar cells. Cytomorphologic and architectural features of smears and cell block preparations correlated well with histologic sections for subsequent surgical specimens. Both tumors were classified by cytology and histology as low grade cartilaginous tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
Fine needle aspiration biopsy, together with typical computed tomographic images, is adequate for diagnosis, cost-effective and safe and can be performed in an outpatient setting.
Froberg
M K
MK
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.
Meschter
S C
SC
Brown
R E
RE
Garbes
A D
AD
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed