GE reflux, chronic throat clearing or cough, vocal abuse may also be implicated. Therapy Voice rest, voice therapy, anti-reflux regimen and cough suppression. May need biopsy to rule out cancer or surgical removal. Hyperkeratosis White plaques on vocal fold Etiology - smoking, other chemical agents Biopsy to rule out carcinoma, discontinue smoking, stripping of mucosa Papillomas Warts on vocal folds. Most often in children.
Airway obstruction can be life threatening.
Etiology Human papilloma virus subtype HPV6, HPV11. Relationship with maternal condylomas has been suggested Therapy Surgical removal by cup forceps or CO2 laser. Usually requires multiple repeat excisions because of recurrence. May spontaneously resolve Carcinoma of the larynx See section on Head and Neck Cancer. Laryngeal lesion requires direct laryngoscopy and biopsy for diagnosis and staging Etiology - patient almost invariably smokes heavily and may drink Therapy Radiation, surgery, or combination Laryngeal paralysis Unilateral vocal fold paralysis Symptoms are determined by position of the cord, which correlates to specific neural lesion.