Laryngeal chondroma presenting as an external neck mass.

Laryngeal chondromas are rare benign tumors originating from the cartilagenous framework of the larynx. Since its first description in 1882, about 250 cases have been reported in the literature. Depending on the size of the lesion, excision via an endoscopic or open surgical approach is the treatment of choice. The majority of these patients present with an endolaryngeal mass. To encounter an external neck mass as the reason for the initial presentation is a rare occurrence. In this article we report a case of laryngeal chondroma of cricoid cartilage origin, which presented as a neck mass. The lesion was totally excised using a transcervical approach. No tracheotomy or laryngeal stent was needed postoperatively. Despite its rarity, this diagnostic possibility should always be kept in mind for elderly patients with complaints of progressive voice changes and exertional dyspnea.