Unsuspected intraoperative finding of structural abnormalities associated with vocal fold polyps.
OBJECTIVE
To report the findings of unsuspected underlying concurrent abnormalities of the vocal fold (VF) associated with polyps.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review at tertiary teaching institution.


METHODS
Operative and clinical notes of 81 adults submitted to suspension laryngoscopy for vocal fold polyp (VFP) excision from 1998 to 2007, which had no previous report of associated structural abnormalities.


RESULTS
Associated lesions were described in 54 patients (67%) (35 contralateral, 16 ipsilateral, and three bilateral): 18 reactive nodules, 21 sulcus vocalis, five cysts, two microwebs, and eight capillary ectasias. A positive correlation was found between the presence of polyps and associated structural abnormalities (r=0.0035; P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The high incidence of concurrent previously unsuspected VF lesions suggests that either these minor underlying anatomical deviations render the VF more vulnerable to vocal abuse, or that phonotrauma may cause a number of VF lesions that can lead to dysphonia.
Eckley
Claudia Alessandra
CA
Otolaryngology Department, Santa Casa School of Medicine and Hospitals, São Paulo, Brazil. ceckley@unisys.com.br
Corvo
Marco Antonio
MA
Yoshimi
Rodrigo
R
Swensson
João
J
Duprat
André de Campos
Ade C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011127:Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult