CT and MR imaging findings of head and neck chondrosarcoma

ObjectivesThis study investigated the imaging features of head and neck chondrosarcoma (HNCS) according to its origin and pathologic subtype.MethodsPatients who were pathologically diagnosed with HNCS between January 2000 and April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Lesions were classified based on their origin and pathologic subtype. The size and margin were evaluated on the image. Internal calcification and the effects on adjacent bone were assessed using computed tomography (CT) images, while signal intensity and contrast enhancement patterns were analyzed using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.ResultsThirteen HNCSs were included in this study: 8 bone tumors (61.5%) and 5 soft tissue tumors (38.5%). The bone tumors were pathologically diagnosed as conventional (n = 5) and mesenchymal type (n = 3). Soft tissue tumors were defined as myxoid type. The main symptoms were swelling (90.9%) and pain (72.7%). The lesions measured 4.5 cm on average. The margins showed benign and well-defined except for the mesenchymal type. On CT, most bone tumors (75%) showed internal calcification with remodeling or destruction of the adjacent bone. No soft tissue tumors, except one case, showed internal calcification or destruction of the adjacent bone. MR imaging features were non-specific (T2 high signal intensity and contrast enhancement).ConclusionsHCNS showed various imaging findings according to their origin and pathologic subtype. HNCS should be differentiated if a bone tumor shows internal calcification and affects the adjacent bone. When diagnosing slow-growing soft tissue tumors, even if low possibility, HNCS should be considered.

Automated summary

Head and neck chondrosarcoma (HNCS) exhibits diverse imaging findings depending on its origin and pathologic subtype. HNCS should be differentiated from bone tumors with internal calcification and impact on adjacent bone. When diagnosing slowly-growing soft tissue tumors, HNCS should be considered, even with low possibility.