Papillomas of the larynx are typically benign lesions caused by human papillomavirus that can cause symptoms ranging from hoarseness to complete airway obstruction. Treatment consists of laser ablation of the Malignancies. Premalignant and malignant lesions of the vocal cords and larynx are most often seen in persons who smoke and drink alcohol. Biopsy of the lesion is performed along with Additional Considerations. Other neu-rologic disorders that affect laryngeal function include stroke, Parkinson's disease, familial tremor and dystonias.
Treatment depends on the severity of impairment and begins with speech and swallowing therapy.
It should also be noted that it is important for the physician to be alert for voice abnormalities in children. Hoarseness is common in this patient population and, as discussed earlier, is usually related to vocal abuse or vocal cord nodules. A child with chronic hoarseness should have the larynx visualized to rule out such disorders as papillomas, laryngeal cysts, webs and vocal cord paralysis. Appropriate evaluation for other disorders, such as velopalatal insufficiency, is crucial. Management with speech therapy and prosthodontics can be very effective.