Dedifferentiated laryngeal chondrosarcoma: combined morphologic and functional imaging with positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging

Laryngoscope. 2014 Jul;124(7):E274-7. doi: 10.1002/lary.24518. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Abstract

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare, low-grade malignancy in terms of histology and clinical behavior. We present an unusual case of laryngeal chondrosarcoma, which developed a large dedifferentiated component on recurrence after primary surgery. The diagnosis of dedifferentiation was suggested in view of the morphological and metabolic findings on hybrid positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) and was subsequently confirmed surgically. Whole-organ, slice-by-slice radiologic-histologic correlation revealed excellent delineation of the well-differentiated and dedifferentiated tumor components with PET/MRI. PET/MRI can provide additional functional information to supplement the morphological mapping and histopathology of these tumors.

Keywords: Positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging; dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma; larynx.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Chondrosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Chondrosarcoma / surgery
  • Cricoid Cartilage / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Staging / methods
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Trachea / surgery