Osteosarcoma of the larynx

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1998 Jan;107(1):70-4. doi: 10.1177/000348949810700113.

Abstract

About 11,600 cases of laryngeal cancer were reported in the United States in 1995, accounting for 1% of all reported cancers. Fewer than 1% of laryngeal cancers are sarcomas, osteosarcoma being the rarest type. Twelve cases of laryngeal osteosarcoma have been cited in the literature. A 47-year-old man presented with hoarseness following a benign vocal polypectomy. The entire larynx appeared swollen, although both vocal folds moved well. Biopsies did not reveal pathologic tissue. Computed tomographic imaging revealed a destructive, expansile lesion of the thyroid cartilage. A computed tomography-guided biopsy of this cartilage revealed a high-grade sarcoma. Laryngeal osteosarcoma was diagnosed following total laryngectomy. Laryngeal osteosarcoma is a highly malignant neoplasm with early hematogenous spread. Survival statistics for peripheral osteosarcoma are poor. Limited experience reveals that a combination of surgery and radiotherapy with adjuvant chemotherapy can offer some palliation. The literature and published cases of laryngeal osteosarcoma are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Osteosarcoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteosarcoma* / pathology
  • Osteosarcoma* / therapy
  • Palliative Care
  • Radiography