Chondroid syringoma with tyrosine crystals: case report and review of the literature

Tyrosine-Like Crystalloids Localize to Non-Neoplastic True Vocal Cord and Attachments

BACKGROUND

Tyrosine-rich or tyrosine-like crystalloids (TC) were initially described in salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma. The presence of TC in non-neoplastic tissues is rare, and it has been reported exclusively in the larynx. This study aims to characterize the frequency and anatomical localization of TC in total laryngectomy specimens.

METHODS

Review of consecutive laryngectomy specimens in which the cassette summary documented parasagittal section sampling of the right and left vocal folds and the anterior commissure. Data collected included patient demographics, underlying diagnoses, history of radiation therapy, presence, and location of TC.

RESULTS

Of 86 laryngectomy specimens, 16 (19%) contained amphophilic to eosinophilic TC. The study cohort included 11 males and 5 females, aged 37 to 85 years (mean 62, median 63). Laryngectomy surgery was performed for advanced untreated squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa) (7/16, 43.75%), recurrent post-treatment SCCa (7/16, 43.75%), previously untreated laryngeal large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (1/16, 6.25%), and non-functional larynx post-chemoradiation (1/16, 6.25%). According to the macroscopic cassette summary, TC were predominantly found in the anterior commissure Sect. (13/16, 81.25%), with fewer cases in sections containing the left (2/16, 12.5%) or the right (1/16, 6.25%) vocal folds. Microscopically, TC localized to the anterior macula flava and/or adjacent vocal ligament (12/16, 75%) and the anterior commissure tendon (4/16, 25%).

CONCLUSIONS

TCs are predominantly reported as admixed with a neoplasm, however this study confirms that TC can also occur in non-neoplastic tissues of the larynx. There was no clear relationship between the presence of TC and prior radiation therapy. TC in the specialized connective tissues of the macula flava and true cord tendinous insertions distinct from tumor may form in response to alterations in mechanical stress, though an age-related change within the spectrum of normal laryngeal microanatomy also remains a possibility.

Fine needle aspiration cytology as a preliminary diagnostic tool in chondroid syringoma: a case report and review

We report a case of chondroid syringoma (CS) in a 44-year-old male. He presented with a firm asymptomatic nodule in his left upper lip of 2-year duration. The initial clue to the diagnosis was made on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and a final diagnosis was based on histopathological examination. The case highlights the importance of FNAC in providing clues to the diagnosis of suspected cases of chondroid syringoma before performing large excisions and repair, which would require more skill and time. We have also reviewed the cytological findings of all the cases of benign CS reported until the current date.

Chondroid Syringoma of the Philtral Dimple

A chondroid syringoma (CS) is an exceedingly rare mixed tumor of the skin. These tumors are relatively common in the head and neck area. Occurrence of these tumors in the philtrum is rare, with only two documented cases in English literature to the best of our knowledge. This paper presents a case of CS of the philtral dimple with aesthetically excellent philtrum reconstruction.