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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 10/2019

Open Access 01-10-2019 | Metastasis | Review Article

Differing characteristics of cartilaginous lesions of the larynx

Authors: Alfio Ferlito, Kenneth O. Devaney, Antti A. Mäkitie

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 10/2019

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Abstract

Introduction

The tissues of the laryngeal region only rarely harbor primary cartilaginous lesions, and squamous cell carcinoma remains the most frequently encountered malignant tumor in this area.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the salient histological features of cartilaginous laryngeal lesions to provide differential diagnostics and guidelines for distinguishing the benign from the malignant ones.

Results

Cartilaginous neoplasms of the larynx include chondroma and chondrosarcoma. Among the overarching group of all forms of laryngeal sarcoma, chondrosarcoma forms the most common entity in the larynx, followed by rhabdomyosarcoma. Cartilaginous tumors comprise about 0.1%–1% of all laryngeal neoplasms with chondrosarcomas being more frequently encountered than chondromas. Several neoplasms earlier reported as giant-cell tumors of the larynx would most likely, using current terminology, be classified as cases of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (previously known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma, giant-cell variant) or aneurysmal bone cyst.

Conclusion

When true laryngeal sarcomas do exist, they may prove to be challenging lesions both for the pathologist and the treating clinician. The diagnostic problems are mainly a result of the infrequent exposure of clinicians and diagnosticians to these lesions.
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Metadata
Title
Differing characteristics of cartilaginous lesions of the larynx
Authors
Alfio Ferlito
Kenneth O. Devaney
Antti A. Mäkitie
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05563-w

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