Vocal cord leukoplakia
Vocal cord leukoplakia refers to the increased cornification of the mucous membrane of the vocal cords. The increase in keratinization occurs as a reaction to chronic irritation of the vocal cords, for example through smoking cigarettes or pipes. Excessive consumption of alcohol or recurrent inflammation can also promote the development of vocal cord leukoplakia.
In most cases, however, leukoplakia goes unnoticed, as it very rarely causes symptoms. However, if they increase in size, they can lead to hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. A vocal cord leukoplakia can, however, potentially degenerate and thus lead to vocal cord carcinoma. For this reason, they should be removed and the cause (for example, smoking) combated.
Vocal cord cancer
Cancer of the vocal cords or carcinomas mostly affects older people and is a special form of cancer of the larynx. Carcinomas of the vocal cords often develop on the basis of chronic irritation of the vocal cords by noxious substances such as nicotine, cement dust, asbestos or sulphuric acid vapour. Chronic acid reflux or radiation exposure are also risk factors for vocal cord cancer.
Those affected often complain of hoarseness, shortness of breath or chesty cough. By means of a laryngoscopy it is possible to examine the vocal cords and take samples of abnormal parts. It is important to have a sample examined by the pathologist, because the therapy depends strongly on the type and size of the tumor. In early stages a removal of the vocal cords or radiotherapy can be helpful, in advanced tumors often the entire larynx has to be removed. Due to the early symptoms and the low rate of spread, the prognosis of vocal cord carcinoma is good.
Examination of the vocal cord
If the examining physician looks into the mouth without devices, he can only look up to the back part of the tongue and assess the upper throat. In order to get a better view of the deeper smoking area and the larynx, the doctor must use a laryngeal mirror (laryngoscope). This laryngeal mirror usually has a light source so that one can see anything at all.
In addition, a light flash device (stroboscope) can be used. This makes it possible to better judge the vocal fold oscillations during vocalization and possible paralysis is easier to detect. The examination can trigger a gag reflex in the patient, which is why the doctor should be informed by the patient if the gag reflex is very pronounced.
