[Chondrosarcoma of the cricoid].
OBJECTIVE
Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare neoplasm generally observed on the cricoid. The purpose of this study was to define the most appropriate surgical management depending on tumor extension and histological grade.


METHODS
Three males and one female were treated for chondrosarcoma of the cricoid between 1990 and 2003 in the Ear, Nose and Throat department in Tours, France. There were three grade I tumors and one grade II tumor. Tumor resection by thyrotomy was performed in two patients, total laryngectomy in one and laser desobstruction in one.


RESULTS
The patient who underwent total laryngectomy remained in complete remission at five years. Among the two patients who had thyrotomy, one remained in remission at three years and the other experienced recurrence at four years and underwent a second operation. He died five years later due to another disease. Total follow-up was nine years. The patient treated by laser therapy achieved stabilization at twelve months.


CONCLUSIONS
Computed tomography and histological grading enable choosing the best surgical procedure. Partial laryngeal surgery is indicated for small or low-grade chondrosarcomas. For large or high-grade tumors, total laryngectomy must be performed. In the event of patient refusal, laser desobstruction can provide clinical stabilization.
Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHU de Tours, 2 boulevard Tonnellé 37044 Tours Cedex 1.
J
J
Miloundja
E
E
Lescanne
G
G
Garand
C
C
Vinikoff-Sonier
P
P
Beutter
S
S
Morinière
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002813:Chondrosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged