Chondrosarcoma of the larynx: CT features.

PURPOSE To define the typical CT features of chondrosarcoma of the larynx. PATIENTS AND METHODS Results of CT studies, performed on 10 patients with pathologically proved chondrosarcoma of the larynx, were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with clinical presentation. RESULTS In all patients, the mass was detected on CT. The most frequent site of origin of the tumor was the cricoid cartilage (nine cases) followed by the thyroid cartilage (one case). Coarse or stippled calcification within the tumor was the most helpful radiologic finding and was seen in every case. In eight patients, the tumor had both an endolaryngeal and an extralaryngeal growth pattern, whereas in two patients the tumor was entirely endolaryngeal. Hoarseness, dyspnea, and dysphagia were the most common symptoms. In all patients presenting with dyspnea, the tumor exhibited endolaryngeal components. In patients presenting with hoarseness, three tumors had endolaryngeal and extralaryngeal components and two tumors were entirely endolaryngeal. CONCLUSION Cross-sectional imaging afforded excellent evaluation of the airway as well as the extralaryngeal component of the tumor.