Thyroid Cartilage and Its Treatment

Thyroid cartilage, a part of the laryngeal cartilages, comprises the anterior and lateral walls of the larynx. It is formed by a quadrilateral cartilaginous plate, with the upper end of the anterior angle protruding as the laryngeal prominence, which is palpable on the body surface. If the thyroid cartilage is traumatized, it can become fractured, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness and laryngeal stenosis.

Here's a breakdown of thyroid cartilage and its related conditions:

1. Location of Thyroid Cartilage

Thyroid cartilage is the largest among the nine laryngeal cartilages, which include the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, arytenoid cartilages, epiglottic cartilage, corniculate cartilages, and cuneiform cartilages. These cartilages form the framework of the larynx. When the head is tilted backward and the laryngeal body protrudes, the thyroid cartilage can be seen as the anterior part of the laryngeal framework. Palpating under the chin, a V-shaped indentation called the thyroid notch can be felt in the center of the laryngeal body. Tracing laterally, the thyroid cartilage plates can be palpated. Moving upward in the neck, the hyoid bone can be felt, and moving downward, the ring-shaped cricoid cartilage and then the first tracheal ring can be palpated.

Trauma to the thyroid cartilage can result in fractures, leading to laryngeal stenosis, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.

2. What is Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma?

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare benign tumor of the larynx. It most commonly occurs in the cricoid cartilage, followed by the thyroid cartilage, arytenoid cartilages, and epiglottic cartilage. It can also originate in the vocal cords or false vocal cords. The tumor is composed of hyaline cartilage, and if bone formation occurs within the tumor, it is called osteochondroma. The symptoms of laryngeal chondrosarcoma vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Tumors growing inward towards the larynx and trachea may manifest as hoarseness, wheezing, swallowing difficulties, and progressive respiratory difficulties. Tumors growing outward may manifest as firm, non-tender masses in the neck that are fixed to the laryngeal cartilages and move with swallowing. Intra-laryngeal tumors are often located at the cricoid cartilage plate and can be visualized as semicircular masses covered by normal mucosa during laryngeal examination. X-ray, tomography, or CT scans can be helpful in diagnosing laryngeal chondrosarcoma. Scattered calcification points are common, and the presence of trabecular or spotty calcification is of special significance for diagnosis. However, the most reliable method for diagnosing laryngeal chondrosarcoma is histopathological examination. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for this condition.