Posttraumatic extraskeletal chondroma of the posterior neck: A systematic literature review on a rare finding and report of a case.

Abstract

Extraskeletal chondromas (EC) are uncommon, benign cartilaginous tumours. Most common locations are upper and lower extremities. Location in the neck is extremely rare and reported only within the anterior compartment. Data are limited to just four case reports in the paediatric population. The first case of EC in neck's posterior compartment is described herein. EC present peculiar features on imaging. Aetiology is unclear; however, trauma has been suggested as possible causative mechanism. Treatment of choice is surgical excision; recurrence is not uncommon, but additional removal seems to be resolutive. All cases in literature were asymptomatic, except for one presenting respiratory stridor. The present patient suffered from neck functional limitation and upper limb hypoesthesia. Symptoms improved after surgery in both cases. Imaging follow-up at 6 months in the present case showed no sign of recurrence. ECs are rare, benign lesions. However, they may be preoperatively misinterpreted as more malignant counterparts (both radiologically or histologically), so accurate diagnostic work-up and planning of the surgical procedure are essential.