Clinical and Pathological Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of Sarcoma of the Larynx

  Objective  To determine the clinical and pathological characteristics as well as outcome of sarcoma of the larynx.

  Methods  A retrospective review of 13 patients with laryngeal sarcoma treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1990 to December 2008 was taken to identify clinical characteristics, pathological characteristics, and therapeutic modalities. Kaplan-Meier survivals were compared according to T-stage and histological G-grade.

  Results  Sarcoma of the larynx showed a male predominance in all cases (9/13) and presented 7 pathological types:maglignant fibrous histiocytoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, neurofibrosarcoma, carcinosarcoma. Twelve cases underwent tumor resection, including partial laryngectomy, total laryngectomy, and endoscopic resection. Among them, 7 cases underwent postoperative radiological therapy and/or chemical therapy. Another case only received radiological therapy. The average follow up time of all cases was 29.3 months and five-year survival rate was 38.0%. Local recurrence occurred in 5 cases and distant metastasis in 1 case. Survival rate was significantly different according to T-stage and histological G-grade (log-rank, P < 0.05).

  Conclusions  Sarcomas of the larynx show poor prognosis. The factors influencing survival rate include T-stage and G-grade.