Benign Lesions of Larynx - A Clinical Study of 50 Cases

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Benign Lesions of Larynx (BLL) have been defined as "An abnormal mass of tissue in larynx, the growth of which exceeds and is coordinated with that of normal tissue and persists in the same excessive manner after cessation of stimuli which evoked the change." These lesions have significant influence on vocal, social and emotional adjustments of patients. These patients present with hoarseness of voice. AIM A clinical study was undertaken at Govt. ENT Hospital, Hyderabad, for 1 year from January 2014 to December 2014. Aim of this study was to analyze age and sex distribution, symptomatology, sites of involvement, management and recurrence of benign lesions of larynx. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 50 patients were studied who were admitted in the hospital. Inclusion criteria: Patients with Hoarseness of Voice (HOV) /change of voice, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, vocal fatigue, Foreign Body (FB) sensation in the throat. Exclusion criteria: Malignancy of larynx and acute inflammatory conditions of larynx. RESULTS Benign lesions of larynx show male preponderance with M:F ratio of 2.12:1, with common age group between 31 to 40 years. Chronic vocal misuse was the predominant cause and more in professional voice users. The common lesion was Vocal Cord (VC) polyp, followed by VC nodules and papillomas. Common side involved was right side. Majority of the patients had to undergo surgery. Majority of recurrence was seen in laryngeal papillomas (33.33%). CONCLUSION Benign lesions of larynx produce symptoms which vary from mild HOV to life threatening stridor. Early diagnosis leads to effective management. Males were more affected and maximum cases seen between 31 to 40 years. Chronic voice abuse, smoking, alcohol, frequent throat clearing and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are precipitating factors. Microlaryngeal Surgery (MLS), voice rest and speech therapy offer a cost effective, useful and safe method for management of these lesions. Vocal nodules respond to voice therapy. The standard treatment includes a triad of MLS, voice rest and vocal rehabilitation.