CLINICAL PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN LESIONS OF VOCAL CORD AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN SOUTHERN INDIA

Aim: To analyze age, sex distribution, occupation, habitual correlation, site of involvement and management of benign lesions of vocal cord. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted for a period of 10 months. Consecutive 50 patients between age 15-75 years were selected based on symptoms of change invoice, weakness of voice, difculty in breathing, cough and foreign body sensation with positive clinical ndings on Video Laryngoscope. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 36-45 years Results: . More commonly presented in male patients (62%) than females (38%), out of which the most common lesions were vocal polyp (40%), followed by vocal nodule (36%), vocal cord cyst (12%). The most commonly affected patients were daily wage workers (24%). The predisposing factors were voice abuse in 26 patients (52%), smoking in 11 patients (22%). The most common symptom was change of voice and voice fatigue in 25 patient (50%). Among 20 cases of vocal polyp 12 cases (24%) underwent excision by micro laryngeal surgery, and all 18 cases of vocal nodule were treated conservatively with voice rest and voice therapy. All 6 vocal cord cyst underwent micro laryngeal surgery followed by voice therapy. Early diagnosis of benign Conclusion: lesions can lead to effective management. The treatment of choice is surgical excision, although initial stages are conservative medications, voice rest and voice rehabilitation.