Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Chondrosarcoma is a malignancy rarely encountered in the head and neck. In an attempt to define this tumor's characteristics and response to therapy, all cases of chondrosarcoma treated at the University of Michigan over the past 25 years were retrospectively studied. Fourteen cases originating in the nose and paranasal sinuses, mandible, temporal bone, and larynx were reviewed. Aggressive surgical resection was the mainstay of treatment, and resulted in an overall survival of 70%, with an average follow-up of 3.5 years. Survival was highest in primary temporal bone lesions, and lowest in paranasal sinus lesions. Unresectable lesions were not cured by other modalities. This study, therefore, continued to support the crucial role of wide surgical resection in the treatment of head and neck chondrosarcoma, but conservative resection, when needed to preserve important structures, has resulted in long-term survival.

Chondrosarcoma of nose and paranasal sinus - a rare presentation

“…1 Chondrosarcoma, the most malignant cartilaginous tumor, constitutes only 10% to 20% of all malignant primary bone tumours, of which only 10% arise from the head and neck areas [2]. Chondrosarcoma constitute only 4% of non-epithelial tumours of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx [1,3]. Hence this malignancy is considered as one of the rarest.…”

“…Hence these tumours are not routinely offered post-operative adjuvant radiation therapy [3]. However, adjuvant radiation therapy or chemotherapy may have to be utilized for residual disease [6].…”

“…Prognosis of chondrosarcoma depends on the site, grade and resectability of the tumour. The worst prognosis has been implicated in centrally occurring chondrosarcomas of the pelvis, trunk, proximal extremity and head and neck areas especially the nasal cavity and nasopharynx [3].…”

“…Chondrosarcoma of nose and paranasal sinus region is a rarely encountered tumour constituting only 4% of nonepithelial tumours of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx [1,3]. It has a tendency for progressive spread and multiple recurrences and hence is considered to have a poor prognosis.…”

Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of Nasomaxilloethmoid Region with Intracranial Extension

“…Generally, the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx are the sites with poor prognosis because of late presentation [12]. The worst prognosis has been implicated in centrally occurring chondrosarcomas of the pelvis, trunk, proximal extremity and head and neck areas especially the nasal cavity and nasopharynx [15]. 5 year survival rate for all stages combined is between 54 and 81 % in recent series, but disease free rate is lower distant metastases occur in 18 % patient and usually involve lung [16].…”