Chondrosarcoma of the larynx.

A case of a low grade chondrosarcoma of the cricoid cartilage which had been diagnosed initially as a chondroma is presented. The tumour recurred twice after limited surgical resections. Total laryngectomy was inevitable due to near total involvement of the cricoid cartilage and subsequent histological examination revealed a low grade chondrosarcoma. We have discussed in brief, the diagnosis and treatment of chondrosarcomas of the larynx and support the view of conservative surgical management for low grade tumours as they are slow growing and metastases are infrequent. A total laryngectomy may be reserved for salvage or primarily when more than half of the cricoid cartilage needs to be resected. Histological grading reveals the biological behaviour of the tumour and CT scans help in planning the surgery. A regular follow-up is necessary for early detection of recurrences and metastases.

[Neuroma of the larynx. One case (author's transl)]. / Schwannome du larynx. A porpos d'un cas.

Neuroma of the larynx is an isolated nerve tissue tumour in the majority of cases. Such tumours are relatively infrequent in the ENT area, but become extremely rare with regard to a laryngeal site. The present case is reported for its statistical interest. The present case is reported for its statistical interest. From a therapeutic standpoint, the authors share the general attitude that the treatment of a solitary neuroma is surgical, but that wide excision at the outset is essential, as demonstrated by this case which revealed that limited operation proved to be inadequate and that is was finally necessary to perform a total laryngectomy, which at first sight appears to be somewhat radical for a theoretically benign tumour.

[Contribution to study of plasmocytomas of the upper respiratory tract. 3 cases (author's transl)]. / contribution à l'étude du plasmocytome des voies aériennes supérieures. A propos de 3 observations.

The authors studied the solitary plasmocytoma, since it would appear to pose a triple problem: diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic. 1. From a diagnostic standpoint, histological interpretation, even by experienced histopathologists would appear to be extremely difficult since study of the course showed that in a significant number of cases a carcinoma develops, indicating that the previous diagnosis was erroneous. 2. From a prognostic standpoint, the course would appear to be extremely variable in terms of survival, this being described in both the French as well as the American literature. However, there is a wide variation in differential statistical studies with regard to mean survival periods. 3. Finally, there is a wide range of opinions concerning therapy. Certain authors adopt a surgical approach only, whilst others use radiotherapy only. Few use a combination of radiotherapy and surgery even though this would appear to be logical since it falls in line with the standard attitude of oncologists concerning solid tumours. Rather than draw any conclusions, it would appear to be desirable to follow up this study with an adequate statistical number in order to define an overall position from both a prognostic as well as therapeutic standpoint.

[Malignant melanoma of the nasal fossae with a course of more than 8 years (author's transl)]. / Mélanome malin des fosses nasales ayant évolué sur plus de 8 ans.

Two important points are emphasized:--1 to 2% of tumours of the nasal fossae are melanomas.--40% of melanomas of the cervico-facial region are situated in the nasal fossae. This case was felt worthy of publication, its course being remarkable by virtue of its duration:--9 years. In addition, the various therapeutic procedures were not followed by the classical acute exacerbations. These enabled this patient to have a virtually normal life for an extremely long period.