title: Treatment of vocal fold granuloma using botulinum toxin type A.
abstract: Contact granuloma of the vocal folds has been associated with abnormal use of the voice, and acid reflux may exacerbate the inflammatory process. Treatments have included voice therapy and antireflux measures. Surgical excision is considered in patients who do not respond to medical management. Localized injections of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) have been effective in patients with disorders of muscular control in the head and neck. In this study, granulomas resolved in six patients who underwent injection of the affected vocal folds. Botulinum toxin type A is probably successful because it prevents forceful closure of the arytenoids during phonation and coughing. Localized injection of this neurotoxin is promising both as an initial treatment and as an alternative treatment in patients who do not respond to standard therapy or who are poor surgical candidates.
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine 90024-1624, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nasri
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sercarz
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: McAlpin
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Berke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006102:Granuloma, Laryngeal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001905:Botulinum Toxins