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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 10/2014

01-10-2014 | Review Article

Chondrosarcomas of the head and neck

Authors: Andrés Coca-Pelaz, Juan P. Rodrigo, Asterios Triantafyllou, Jennifer L. Hunt, Juan C. Fernández-Miranda, Primož Strojan, Remco de Bree, Alessandra Rinaldo, Robert P. Takes, Alfio Ferlito

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 10/2014

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Abstract

Chondrosarcoma represents approximately 11 % of all primary malignant bone tumors. It is the second most common sarcoma arising in bone after osteosarcoma. Chondrosarcomas of the head and neck are rare and may involve the sinonasal tract, jaws, larynx or skull base. Depending on the anatomical location, the tumor can produce a variety of symptoms. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the preferred imaging modalities. The histology of conventional chondrosarcoma is relatively straightforward; major challenges are the distinction between grade I chondrosarcomas and chondromas, and the differential diagnosis with chondroblastic osteosarcoma and chondroid chordoma. Surgery alone or followed by adjuvant radiotherapy is the treatment of choice. Radiotherapy alone has also been reported to be effective and can be considered if mutilating radical surgery is the only curative alternative. The 5-year survival for chondrosarcoma reaches 80 %; distant metastases and/or local recurrences significantly worsen prognosis. The present review aims to summarize the current state of information about the biology, diagnosis and management of these rare tumors.
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Metadata
Title
Chondrosarcomas of the head and neck
Authors
Andrés Coca-Pelaz
Juan P. Rodrigo
Asterios Triantafyllou
Jennifer L. Hunt
Juan C. Fernández-Miranda
Primož Strojan
Remco de Bree
Alessandra Rinaldo
Robert P. Takes
Alfio Ferlito
Publication date
01-10-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 10/2014
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2807-3

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