Prolonged ulcerative laryngitis

Abstract

Background: Prolonged ulcerative laryngitis is a rare, benign inflammatory alteration of the larynx that persists for months. The laryngoscopic findings suggest a malignant process and can therefore be a challenge for the treating ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. Objectives: Presentation of the current database to provide an overview of the etiology, progress and treatment for everyday clinical practice. Methods: Three case studies from the Department of Phoniatrics and Speech Pathology of the ENT Department, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, are presented. Analysis and discussion of the current literature base and of case reports in the English literature. Results: The etiology and predisposing factors for this disease are unclear. Previous respiratory infection with cough and dysphonia seems to be the most common cause. Biopsies should be avoided. Conclusions: The typical laryngoscopic findings show corresponding circumscribed lancet-shaped ulcerations in the middle third of the vocal fold. The course of the disease appears to be self-limiting and without permanent structural consequences. Therefore, good patient education and close laryngoscopic follow-up should be performed.