Osteosarcomas of the larynx.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The objective was to review the etiology, presentation, treatment, and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma of the larynx using an illustrative case example. STUDY DESIGN Case report and literature review. METHODS A case is reported, and a review of all available published cases of osteosarcoma of the larynx is presented. RESULTS Osteosarcoma of the larynx may be a difficult clinical diagnosis. To be able to reach the correct diagnosis, a high index of suspicion and due diligence in obtaining deep biopsy specimens are important. Treatment is primarily surgical. Outcomes for this disease are generally poor, with most patients dying of the disease as a result of pulmonary metastasis. CONCLUSION Osteosarcoma of the larynx is a rare entity, with only 14 cases reported to date. Pathological confirmation of osteoid is required for diagnosis. It is likely that aggressive surgical intervention directed at complete tumor extirpation is the treatment of choice, although long-term prognosis is poor.