Differentiated chondrosarcoma originating in the cricoid cartilage of the larynx: evaluation and treatment. Clinical case presentation

Abstract

Background
Modern medicine has focused much of its activity and scientific endeavours оn the fight against malignant diseases. The goal of our clinical case presentation is to introduce the evaluation and treatment of a rare head and neck tumor, the laryngeal chondrosarcoma (CS). In such rare malignancies the end results of the treatment plan are associated with multiple cofactors that influence strongly the course of the disease.
Materials and methods
In our clinical case we have described the investigations and chosen tactics of treatment, applied to our patient, in a chronological manner, some immediate results, but also the long-term consequences of the management of this disease.
Results
In our opinion, the outcomes in this patient’s case were prompted not only by the specifics of this malignant disease, but also by the interpretation of the instrumental examination and the decisionmaking regarding the initial treatment. In addition to that, the decisions taken by the patient also play an important role in the clinical course. We want to point out that the achieved results and outcomes could be unpredictable - due to the coincidence of circumstances - and different, in comparison to the cases described in most literature.
Conclusions
1. The relatively simple diagnostics with modern diagnostic methods and the abundance of options for surgical treatment or even combination therapy in complicated cases, do not create difficulties in the management of typical chondrosarcoma of the larynx. However, its treatment requires the efforts of several medical specialties - Surgery, Medical oncology, Medical imaging, Radiation therapy, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Psychology and others.
2. Neither RT nor chemotherapy are recommended therapeutic options, except in some rare individual cases.
3. Conservative surgery tends to be adequate only if performed properly and timely as thus ensures long-term remission or cancerfree life. Radical surgical treatment is recommended in advanced cases.