Laryngeal Papillomatosis

Laryngeal papillomatosis is a rare disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 60 HPVs exist. Laryngeal papillomatosis causes the growth of a warty-like lesion inside the voice box, vocal cords, or the air passage from the nose to the lungs. Most laryngeal papillomas (tumors) occur in children before the age of three, but they are also found in adults. In adults, it is usually a lot milder of a disease than seen in children. They can cause symptoms of hoarseness, cough, difficulty swallowing, or even difficulty breathing. They can re-grow after removal. Recently, research has shown that the HPV vaccine can help prevent recurrence.

Vocal Cord Lesions (Nodules, Polyps, and Cysts) Vocal cord lesions are benign (not cancerous) growths that include polyps, cysts, and nodules. Vocal trauma and overuse can be related to these lesions. All of these growths cause hoarseness.

Surgery For Vocal Cord Lesions The procedure to remove vocal cord lesions is called microdirect laryngoscopy. This means that a device is placed into your throat through your mouth so that the surgeon can see the vocal cords, and then a microscope is used to see all the fine, microscopic details of your vocal cords. Fine instruments are then used to remove the vocal cord lesion. Sometimes, the surgeon will also use a laser in the surgery.

The pictures below shows how the surgeon is able to operate on your vocal cords through your mouth using a microscope.

DS-1225 (02-21) The possible risks for this type of surgery include the following: Injury to Teeth Injury to the teeth may occur due to the nature of the instruments used in endoscopy despite steps to protect them. Injury may include chipping, cracking, loosening, or removal of teeth.

Injury to the Voice Box Changes in the voice may be temporary or permanent due to structural changes.

Injury Due to Positioning Positioning your head to straighten out the anatomy requires extending the neck which can sometimes cause spinal injury or injury to the blood vessels.

Bleeding Bleeding is usually minor.

Voice Problems Voice quality depends on the person’s ability to generate adequate pressure below the level of the vocal cords and properly vibrating vocal cords. Any procedure done to your vocal cords can cause changes in your voice. Some changes to your voice might include it becoming weaker, more breathy sounding, gravelly or tight.

DS-1225 (02-21) REVERSE