title: Vocal cord paralysis (VCP)--an aetiologic review of 100 cases over 20 years.
abstract: A retrospective analysis of the aetiology of 100 cases of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) seen over two consecutive decades at a large general hospital has been performed. One half of the cases seen were due to malignancy, mainly carcinoma of lung; 16% of cases were due to trauma or surgical procedures, while cardiac and neurological-related diseases were associated with 7% and 6% of cases respectively and miscellaneous causes accounted for 6%. Fifteen per cent of all cases remained undiagnosed. When the first and second decades were compared for evolving trends, there was a decrease in the incidence of VCP as a complication of lung cancer, but not significant change following thyroid surgery. The nature of idiopathic VCP is discussed in some detail.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000150:complications; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications