Non-Surgical Management for Benign Vocal Fold Lesions

Abstract

Benign vocal fold lesions, such as vocal nodules, polyps and Reinke's edema, usually result from chronic voice overuse. Conservative management such as voice therapy and pharmacotherapy are used as the primary treatment techniques. The main purpose of voice therapy is to identify and reduce voice misuse to achieve the optimal voice. But complete resolution may not be possible in all patients after voice therapy. Furthermore, some patients with voice-related occupations, voice rest and voice therapy are sometimes difficult, which makes it hard to carry out the treatment. When conservative therapy is ineffective, laryngeal microsurgery can be performed under general anesthesia. However, potential complications following laryngeal suspension and violation of the layered structure of the vocal fold during surgery should be considered before surgery. In recent decades, emerging literatures have demonstrated the potential usefulness of vocal fold steroid injection as an alternative treatment option for benign vocal fold lesions. The most advantageous feature of vocal fold steroid injection is the maintenance of regional anti-inflammatory effects while preventing the potential systemic adverse effects of the steroid. Many non-surgical treatment methods can be conducted using different approaches in the office setting. It can be applied as an alternative treatment modality for the management of various benign vocal fold lesions. Key words: Vocal fold ㆍ Larynx ㆍ Vocal nodule ㆍ Vocal polyp ㆍ Treatmen 핵심용어: 성대 ㆍ 후두 ㆍ 성대 ê²°ì ˆ ㆍ 성대 폴립 ㆍ 치료