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The larynx is part of the respiratory system, consists of a breathing tube and a vocal apparatus. The vocal cords are a muscular fold of the mucous membrane of the larynx and are located in its middle part.
Fibroma of the vocal cords is the most common type of benign tumor that affects the area of the vocal cords. It is an occupational disease in people of speech professions (singers, speakers, teachers) and occurs as a result of prolonged regular overstrain of the ligaments.
Fibroma of the larynx is non-invasive, does not ulcerate, does not metastasize. It is a fibrous connective tissue covered with a squamous epithelium. It has a thin stem, sometimes it can be located on a wide base. The neoplasm has the shape of a ball ranging in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter. This is a single node located on the upper surface or free edge of the vocal cord.
Fibroma can occur in various parts of the larynx, but is more often localized on the true vocal cords, namely on the free edge at the anterior commissure or between the anterior and middle thirds, rarely on the lower or upper surface of the vocal fold.
Usually, a fibroma is gray or pinkish in color, but if there are many blood vessels in its structure, it can be red or purplish-blue (angiofibroma). There are two types of fibromas: soft and dense. With hyaline degeneration of the connective fibers of the tumor, a solid fibroma is formed. If the neoplasm contains a large amount of fluid and a little dense component, a soft edematous gelatinous fibroma is formed, also called a polyp. It is usually located on a long leg.
Fibroids are more common in middle-aged men. They grow slowly and rarely reach large sizes, usually no larger than a pea. If the fibroma is located on a thin stalk, during talking and breathing it floats, preventing the normal closure of the ligaments. This can lead to aphonia, hoarseness, diplophony, sometimes causes coughing, and in rare cases makes breathing difficult.
Causes of fibroma of the vocal cords
The main cause of fibroma of the vocal cords is vocal overload, that is, overstrain of the ligaments. Thus, the specifics of the work sometimes leaves its mark on teachers and singers. Alcohol abuse, which dries out the mucous membrane of the larynx, significantly increases the likelihood of a neoplasm.
In smokers, the mucosa changes over time, it becomes thickened and filled with blood, which contributes to the appearance of neoplasms. People who often and for a long time stay in dusty rooms with dry air or with harmful fumes are also susceptible to the disease. This leads to thinning of the mucosa and disruption of its glands. There is a sore throat, constant dryness, cough.
Symptoms of fibroma of the vocal cords
The main symptoms of fibroma of the vocal cords are persistent hoarseness in the voice and sometimes pain in the neck. Fibroma can cause an increase in false vocal cords, since they partially take on the function of voice formation.
In such cases, the previously hoarse patient’s voice improves, but it is still rougher, lower than before and does not sound as clear as before. And since, with the participation of false vocal cords, the external auxiliary muscles of the larynx are constantly tensed, the patient has a feeling of pain in the front of the neck.
Difficulty breathing can also signal the presence of a vocal cord fibroma. This happens when the tumor reaches a considerable size.
Diagnosis of fibroma of the vocal cords
Due to the fact that the disease can proceed without any symptoms at all, sometimes it is diagnosed by chance during the next otolaryngological examination. If symptoms appear, you should visit an otolaryngologist. The doctor will perform a mirror laryngoscopy.
Usually, the complete mobility of the ligament and the pedicle of the tumor are the main difference between a fibroma and a malignant neoplasm. However, to fully clarify the benignity of the tumor, its histological examination is carried out after removal of the node.
Treatment of fibroma of the vocal cords
Because vocal cord fibroids can become malignant, the only treatment is to remove them. Removal is carried out with the following tools: laryngeal loop, guillotine, various forceps. In this case, blood loss is negligible.
After the operation, hot food and drink should not be taken for several days. Also, during the week you can not raise your voice, and for people of speech professions, the period increases to two to three weeks. After removal of the tumor, the voice immediately becomes clear. The prognosis is favorable.