Abstract

Background: The laryngeal lesions are significant because of the human communication through voice and contribution of voice to the identity of the person. Benign lesions of larynx are classified into the commonly occurring non-neoplastic lesions and relatively rare neoplastic lesions.

Objective: To know pattern of benign lesions of larynx.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in 50 patients who were diagnosed with various benign lesions of larynx during a period of 1 year. After a detailed history, general physical and systemic examination, complete nasal and paranasal examination, and examination of ears, patients were subjected to examination of larynx which included external examination of larynx, indirect laryngoscopy, and microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia.

Result: This prospective study was conducted in 50 patients who were diagnosed with various benign lesions of larynx during a period of 1 year. The incidence was found to be 0.15% or 15 per 10,000 new patients with high prevalence in third, fourth, and fifth decades of life. Non-neoplastic benign lesions were more common (96%) as compared with neoplastic benign lesions (04%) with preponderance in male patients (72%) as compared with female patients (28%). Hoarseness of voice was the most common presenting symptoms seen in 48 to 50 patients. It was observed that 16 patients (32%) were smokers, 5 patients (10%) had exposure to dust, 2 patients (4%) were having incense exposure, and 2 patients (4%) were farmers and had exposure to hay and pollens. Microlaryngoscopic examination under general anesthesia was done in 41 cases. There were 22 cases (44%) of vocal polyps, 16 cases (32%) of vocal nodules, 3 cases (6%) of Reinke’s edema, 5 cases (10%) of cysts, and 1 case each of traumatic granuloma, hemangioma, and laryngeal sporidiosis. The predominant site of involvement was the true vocal cords in 44 cases (88%). Simple excision of the lesion was done 36 cases (72%), stripping was done in 3 cases (6%), and endoscopic decapitation and marsupialization was done in 1 case (2%).

Conclusion: Benign lesions of larynx are uncommonly occurring lesions. Non-neoplastic benign lesions are far more common than neoplastic lesions, the ratio being 24:1 and most common age group that is involved is 30–40 years. Vocal cord polyps and nodules are the most frequent non-neoplastic benign lesions. Microlaryngeal surgery is the treatment of choice in these lesions and postoperative speech therapy should be provided to all the patients to prevent recurrences.

Key words: Hoarseness, indirect laryngoscopy, Reinke’s edema, vocal nodule, vocal polyp