Larynx

Vocal Cord Polyp

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Vocal Cord Polyp, Laryngeal Polyp, Vocal Cord Nodule

  • See Also
  1. Laryngeal Neoplasm
  • Etiologies
  1. Tobacco Abuse or smoke exposure
  2. Voice Abuse
  3. Viral cause
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Papilloma
    1. Chronic irritation of vocal cord leading to edema
  2. Papillomata (Squamous Cell papilloma)
    1. Common, Viral cause
  • Symptoms
  1. Hoarseness follows as polyp forms
  • Signs
  1. Vocal Cord Nodule
    1. Bilateral opposing "knots"
    2. Occur at mid-vocal cord
  2. Vocal Cord Polyp
    1. Erythematous, smooth, mobile vocal cord lesions
    2. Larger than Nodules, but similar location
  • Differential Diagnosis
  1. Laryngeal Neoplasm
  • Management
  1. Strict voice rest
    1. No whispering (causes as much strain as yelling)
    2. Soft breathy voice is least Traumatic
  2. ENT referral for biopsy or surgical excision