Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare neoplasm. The characteristic features of this tumor are described, and a case in a 69-year-old woman is reported. This case demonstrates the difficulties of histological classification. On the first biopsy specimen a benign chondroma was diagnosed. However, the microscopical features of the excised tumor were those of a chondrosarcoma. It is generally accepted that radiotherapy is of no value; surgical treatment by laryngectomy is advised. Some authors recommend a conservative attitude towards these tumors, which are of low malignancy, the growth slow and the risk of local or distant metastases slight.