Pathogenesis of Vocal Cord Polyps

Abstract

Polyps of the vocal cords are a separate entity occurring nowhere else in the larynx or in the human body. Gelatinous and telangiectatic, but mainly transitional types of polyps can be discriminated. Histological, histochemical and electron microscopic investigations on a series of polyps show that an alteration of the permeability of blood vessels may be of importance, allowing the extravasation of edema fluid, fibrin or erythrocytes. Following this, reactive processes develop with the formation of labyrinthine vascular spaces. This process is very similar to the organization of a thrombus. Since polyps occur mainly in people who use their voices very intensively, and develop at the site of maximum muscular and aerodynamic forces exerted during phonation, vocal cord polyps are considered a sequela of a phonotrauma.