Chondroma of the larynx. Surgical technique.

More than 200 cases of chondroma of the larynx, a rare benign tumor, have been reported in the literature. The majority of these tumors arise from the cricoid cartilage on the anterior surface of the posterior lamina. Treatment consists of total excision. If the removal requires resection of a portion of the cricoid ring, leaving the larynx unstable and prone to collapse, then total laryngectomy is usually performed. A new method of reconstruction was used in two additional cases of chondroma of the larynx after removal of half of the cricoid ring, without the need for total laryngectomy, Large chondromas originated from the anterior surface of the posterior cricoid lamina in both of these cases. Treatment consisted of total removal of the tumor, after which only the anterior and lateral cricoid lamina remained. Follow-up at 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 years, respectively, has not shown any evidence of tumor recurrence, airway compromise, or laryngeal collapse. This new reconstructive procedure may obviate the need for total laryngectomy when the integrity of the cricoid ring must be violated for benign tumor.