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IFHNOS 2026
Infracordal Laryngeal Chondroma Masquerading as a Vocal Fold Cyst: Navigating Diagnostic and Histopathological Uncertainty
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Institution: National University Hospital - Singapore, Singapore

Background: Laryngeal chondromas are rare cartilaginous neoplasms that pose diagnostic challenges due to non-specific presentation and capacity to mimic benign vocal fold pathology. Case Presentation: We report a 28-year-old female with persistent dysphonia exceeding one year following a flu-like illness. Endoscopic assessment revealed a cystic lesion along the inferior edge of the left true vocal fold with reduced mucosal wave. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated a well-defined hypodense lesion without internal calcification — an atypical finding that favoured a benign cystic diagnosis and obscured the differential. Conservative management and voice therapy were initiated, but symptoms persisted. The patient underwent endolaryngeal microsurgery (ELMS) with excision of an infracordal vocal fold lesion, with post-operative improvement in dysphonia and voice fatigability. Histopathological analysis demonstrated a cartilaginous neoplasm; differential diagnoses included chondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma, with specimen fragmentation limiting assessment of tumour invasion. Clinical and radiological correlation within a multidisciplinary framework supported a final diagnosis of laryngeal chondroma. A literature review on diagnosis and management of this rare tumour is also presented. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this represents one of the few reported cases of chondroma arising from the infracordal vocal fold — an exceptionally rare site. Laryngeal chondroid tumours may lack characteristic calcification and closely resemble benign lesions, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary evaluation of rare head and neck tumours. Persistent dysphonia warrants thorough evaluation, and conservative, organ-preserving excision with long-term surveillance represents the optimal management strategy in selected patients.
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Dr Natalie Pang - , Dr Hu Huixin -