Chondroradionecrosis of the larynx: 24-year University of Wisconsin experience

ABSTRACT

Background

Chondroradionecrosis (CRN) is an uncommon but significant complication of laryngeal radiotherapy that presents a diagnostic challenge to clinicians through its similarity in presentation to cancer recurrence.

Methods

Two hundred ninety-four patients underwent primary, adjuvant, or salvage radiation for laryngeal cancer from 1991 to 2015 at the University of Wisconsin. Medical records were reviewed to identify and characterize patients with a diagnosis of CRN.

Results

Of the 294 patients, 7 cases (2.4%) of CRN were identified. Development of CRN was associated with the presence of cartilage invasion by tumor (p = .038) and ongoing alcohol use postradiotherapy (p = .036). Additionally, a trend between development of CRN and ongoing smoking postradiotherapy was observed (p = .067).

Conclusion

The diagnosis of CRN is challenging, and the likelihood of successful resolution is modest. A high premium should be placed on efforts directed at prevention, such as tobacco and alcohol cessation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2017

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