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

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.