Clinicopathological study of non-malignant lesions of larynx: a prospective observational study

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Non-malignant lesions of the larynx constitute an interesting array of lesions. The significance of non-malignant lesions lies in the fact that it cannot only cause change in voice but, at times, can lead to breathing difficulty or life-threatening stridor.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a prospective observational study done between November 2019 - July 2020. All the details were filled up by the principal investigator in a structured study proforma. This proforma contains data regarding essential demographic details, clinical features, ENT examination, flexible video laryngoscopy findings, stroboscopy findings, voice handicap index, diagnosis and management. Statistical method and data analysis in this study we tried to describe the analysis process with appropriate methods and principles of statistics, using the data collected from the patients, participated in this study. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The most common non-malignant lesion among the 50 patients studied was vocal cord polyp; second most common being the vocal cord cyst. The relation of hoarseness of voice, difficulty in breathing, smoking or alcohol intake with non-malignant lesions showed a statistically significant result. On interpreting the stroboscopic findings of various lesions, all cases of vocal nodule showed an hourglass-shaped glottic closure.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> These lesions can create a lot of mental and emotional tension in the patient and the family. Early diagnosis of the lesions can lead to effective management and functional recovery. Stroboscopy is valued for its excellent ability to examine the structure and the function of the glottis during phonation.</p>