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The larynx contains the vocal cords and serves as the opening to the tracheobronchial tree. Laryngeal disorders include various benign and malignant tumors, contact ulcers, granulomas, laryngitis, laryngoceles, spasmodic dysphonia, vocal cord paralysis, and vocal cord polyps and nodules. For acute laryngotracheobronchitis, see Respiratory Disorders in Neonates, Infants, and Young Children: Croup.

Laryngeal cancer is discussed in Tumors of the Head and Neck: Laryngeal Cancer.

Most laryngeal disorders cause dysphonia, which is impairment of the voice (see Sidebar 1: Laryngeal Disorders: The Professional Voice). A persistent change in the voice (eg, > 3 wk) requires visualization of the vocal cords, including their mobility. Although the voice changes with advancing age, becoming breathy and aperiodic, acute or prominent changes in the elderly should not be presumed to result from aging, and evaluation is required.

The voice should be assessed and recorded, particularly if surgical procedures are planned. Examination of the larynx includes external inspection and palpation of the neck and internal visualization of the epiglottis, false cords, true cords, arytenoids, pyriform sinuses, and subglottic region below the cords. Internal visualization is accomplished by either indirect mirror examination (see Fig. 1: Laryngeal Disorders: Laryngeal disorders.) or direct flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy in an outpatient setting with a topical anesthetic. Rigid laryngoscopy with the patient under general anesthesia allows for biopsy when necessary or assessment of passive mobility of the vocal cords when immobilized by either paralysis or fixation.

Fig. 1
Laryngeal disorders. When relaxed, the vocal cords normally form a V-shaped opening that allows air to pass freely through to the trachea. The cords open during inspiration and close during swallowing or speech. When a mirror is held in the back of a patient's mouth, the vocal cords can often be seen and checked for disorders, such as contact ulcers, polyps, nodules, paralysis, and cancer. Paralysis may affect one (unilateral) or both vocal cords (bilateral—not shown)

Sidebar 1
The Professional Voice People who use their voice professionally for public speaking and singing often experience voice disorders manifesting as hoarseness or breathiness, lowered vocal pitch, vocal fatigue, nonproductive cough, persistent throat clearing, and/or throat ache. These symptoms often have benign causes, such as vocal nodules, vocal fold edema, polyps, or granulomas. Such disorders are usually caused by vocal fold hyperfunction (excessive laryngeal muscular tension when speaking) and possibly laryngopharyngeal reflux. Treatment in most cases includes the following: Voice evaluation by a speech pathologist or experienced physician, including, when available, use of a computer-assisted program to assess pitch and intensity and to determine parameters of vocal acoustics Behavioral treatment (decreasing musculoskeletal laryngeal tension when speaking) using the same computer program for visual and auditory biofeedback A vocal hygiene program to eliminate vocally abusive behaviors, such as excessive loudness, long duration, vocal tension, and habitual throat clearing An antireflux regimen, when appropriate Adequate hydration to promote an adequate glottal mucosal wave Diet modification before vocal performances, which may include avoidance of dairy products, caffeine, and ambient tobacco smoke and other inhaled irritants

Last full review/revision July 2008 by Clarence T. Sasaki, MD

Content last modified July 2008