High-Grade Chondrosarcoma Associated with Spindle Cell Components of the Cricoid Cartilage

A history of recent frequency in cough and sputum was presented in a 73-year-old male. A neck CT scan revealed a heterogeneously enhanced and poorly-demarcated mass, measuring approximately 35 × 35 mm, arising from the right cricoid cartilage and projecting into the airway. The inadequate cytologic specimen contained few individual cells or small clusters of tumor cells having pleomorphic and sometimes spindleor multi-nuclei, and abundant clear or vacuolated cytoplasm, along with an amount of metachromatic chondroid stroma. We first interpreted it merely as carcinoma. A total laryngectomy was performed, and gross examination showed a multilobulated and firm mass with a grayish to whitish, fleshy and glistening appearance, involving the cricoid cartilage and cricothyroid muscle. However, the overlying surface tracheal mucosa was smooth. Microscopically, the tumor was predominantly composed of a solid proliferation of atypical chondrocyte-like cells having hyperchromatic bior multi-nuclei in a lobular fashion, embedded in an abundant chondroid matrix, associated with cellular spindled cell foci. Therefore, we finally made a diagnosis of grade 2 chondrosarcoma with spindle cell components. We should be aware that owing to its characteristic features, cytopathologists might be able to determine correct diagnosis, based on multiple and adequate cytology samplings.