Clinical study of benign lesions of larynx

Abstract

Background: The significance of benign lesions of the larynx lies in the importance of its function in speaking and the contribution of the voice to one’s identity. Inadequate voice is a social and professional disadvantage. Although rarely life threatening. Objectives: To study benign lesions of larynx. Methods: A total number of 64 patients were studied, A thorough history of all patients included in the study was taken with respect to the presenting symptoms and their duration. The treatment advised to the patients was either conservative medical therapy and/or surgical therapy (micro laryngeal surgery). All the patients underwent micro laryngeal surgery except those patients with vocal nodules. They were advised speech therapy for 3 months, if not resolved with speech therapy underwent micro laryngeal surgery. Results: There were varied causes for the development of benign lesions of larynx in which chronic vocal misuse was predominant cause in benign vocal fold lesions. It shares 75% of the incidence. Reasons for chronic vocal misuse is related to the occupation. The commonest site of origin of lesions was from true vocal cords. Next commonest were false cords, arytenoids and interarytenoid regions. In the study group, only 18.3% patients got complete relief with voice rest and vocal rehabilitation, 82.7% patients required surgery, which included microlarygoscopy and end laryngeal surgery. Conclusion: The benign laryngeal lesion produces symptoms which can vary from mild hoarseness to life-threatening stridor, creating a lot of mental and emotional tension in the patient and the family. Early diagnosis of the lesions can lead to effective management and good recovery.