Role of stroboscopy in diagnosis of laryngeal disorder

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Laryngeal disorders are the main culprit for change of voice. Patient presenting with change of voice needs to be assessed for laryngeal disorder. Larynx being part of hypopharynx in the deeper part of cavity has been difficult organ to examine since long, but with technological evolution from artificial light to flexible scopes to stroboscope has made life easier for a laryngologist to evaluate laryngeal disorder thoroughly.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this study we have included all cases of change of voice coming to department of ENT and head and neck surgery at GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Gotri in last one year with change of voice for more than one month including vocal cord malignancy. A detailed history and thorough examination of ENT and in particular larynx done. Further work up and management was done according to case base need. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 50 patients enrolled in the study we found 48% males and 42% females. Most of the patients were adults. Only 4% were in geriatric age group. Most common diagnosis was vocal cord nodules 26% followed by hypertrophy of vocal cords16%. Malignancy of the vocal cords was found to be 14% followed by10% of vocal cord polyp and vocal cord palsy 10%. Other conditions were found to be 6%.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Stroboscopy is a great tool for evaluation of vocal cord pathology in particular subtle diseases of vocal cords. Along with diagnosis we can have proper documentation of dynamic movement of vocal folds with help of stroboscopy.</p>