A Case of Chondrosarcoma in Nasal Septum

Abstract

Chondrosarcomas are malignant, slow-growing, cartilaginous tumors that are most commonly found in the pelvis, long bones and ribs, with approximately 5% to 10% located in head and neck. These tumors show diverse clinical features according to the morphologies, histological grades, and locations. Because most cases are characterized with nonspecific symptoms such as nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, it can be misdiagnosed as rhinitis or sinusitis. For this reason, it if often detected when it has already reached locally advanced status. Chondrosarcomas in the head and neck region have a high local recurrence rate but rare distant metastases. The imaging study is essential and computed tomography shows calcified, low density mass occasionally with septal erosion. Magnetic resonance imaging shows low signal intensity in T1 weighted images, and high signal intensity in T2. Surgical resection is the definitive treatment of choice. Radiation and chemotherapy are reserved for residual disease and palliation. We present a case of the chondrosarcoma of nasal septum that was treated with craniofacial resection by craniotomy, and with bicoronal incision and midfacial degloving.