Vocal fold scars: a common classification proposal by the American Laryngological Association and European Laryngological Society

Author(s):
Hantzakos, A.; Dikkers, F.G.; Giovanni, A.; Benninger, M.S.; Remacle, M.; Sjogren, E.V.; Woo, P.
Published
2019
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

PurposeVocal fold scar is one the most challenging benign laryngeal pathologies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a classification that will allow for a common description of this entity between laryngologists, prevent discrepancies in interpretation, allow for comparison of related studies, and offer a training tool for young laryngologists.Methods/ResultsBased on the depth and laterality of scarring, we propose 4 types: type I, characterized by atrophy of lamina propria with/without affected epithelium; type II, where the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscle are affected; type III, where the scar is located on the anterior commissure; type IV, which includes extended scar formation in both anteroposterior and rostro-caudal axis with significant loss of vocal fold mass.ConclusionWe believe that our proposal is comprehensive and encompasses all existing iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic etiologies in a simple and concise manner. It also serves its purpose as a descriptive, comparative, and training tool.

Vocal fold scarClassification proposalEuropean Laryngological SocietyAmerican Laryngological AssociationBenign laryngeal pathology
Date issued
2019-08-01
Language
English
Publisher
SPRINGER
Is part of
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (2019), Vol. 276, no. 8, p. 2289-2292
hdl
1887/122808
doi
10.1007/s00405-019-05489-3