A comparative histopathological study of benign laryngeal lesions in smoker versus nonsmoker patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Benign vocal fold lesions are nonmalignant growths of abnormal tissue on the vocal folds. The most prevalent benign lesions are polyps, Singer’s nodules, papilloma, and cysts. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the histopathological changes in benign vocal fold lesions in smoker versus nonsmoker patients. Patients and methods This study was performed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tanta University Hospital. It was carried out from July 2020 to July 2021 on 40 patients, who were divided into two main groups: group 1, nonsmoker patients, and group 2, smoker patients. Results This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out on 40 patients in the 20–70-year age range, of either sex. Using clinical diagnosis and indirect laryngoscopy, all patients were chosen if they had benign vocal fold lesions done at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tanta University Hospital. Conclusion A comparative analysis of the vocal fold polyps in smokers and nonsmokers was done in the current study. In comparison with nonsmokers, smokers’ polyps had a higher incidence of keratinization and edema, according to histopathological analysis. Additionally, smokers’ polyps had more hyaline degeneration than nonsmokers’ polyps fold. These changes most likely reflect the damage that cigarette smoke did to the vocal polyps’ epithelium and lamina propria.