What is vocal cord leukoplakia/ vocal fold leukoplakia?

Medically speaking, vocal cord leukoplakia refers to all whitish, non-removable changes in the mucous membrane of the vocal cords.

Is it dangerous?

Vocal cord leukoplakia can be a precursor to laryngeal cancer (dysplasia). This means that vocal cord leukoplakia can develop into vocal cord cancer. Therefore, medical evaluation is crucial.

Is vocal cord leukoplakia always cancerous? And how is it diagnosed?

No. In addition to dysplasia, other possible differential diagnoses include biofilm formation, fungal infection, or scarring. The use of corticosteroid inhalers for asthma, for example, can also cause whitish deposits (steroid inhaler laryngitis).

The examination by a doctor merely indicates the changes at the vocal cord level. However, only a histological examination of the tissue can provide a definitive confirmation or exclusion of cancer.

How is the tissue examined histologically?

In a histological examination, experts examine tissue samples under a microscope. The samples are either taken from the affected individuals through a procedure called biopsy or during a surgery.

If necessary, the biopsy procedure can be performed painlessly under local anesthesia.

How can vocal cord leukoplakia be treated?

If a tumor has been ruled out, treatment can be performed painlessly with the use of a blue laser under local anesthesia.

Treatment options for vocal cord leukoplakia:

Our motto is: "Conservative, conservative, conservative - if not possible, then consider surgery."

Not everything needs to be treated surgically, and a clear indication for surgery must be present. Depending on the patient's history and risk factors, initial recommendations may include inhalation therapy, antibiotic treatment, and regular follow-up examinations. If steroid inhaler laryngitis is suspected, it is important to assess whether discontinuing or changing the steroid inhaler or using a spacer is possible.

Outpatient surgery for leukoplakia:

According to the new guidelines, close monitoring is recommended for vocal cord leukoplakia. An initial biopsy is often necessary, and further biopsies may be required during the course of treatment. In cases of dysplasia, complete removal is recommended. The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia with direct microlaryngoscopy or under local anesthesia with endoscopic visualization (office-based surgery).

Gentle removal of leukoplakia with the Blue Laser or KTP Laser:

A new treatment approach for leukoplakia is the use of the KTP Laser (Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate Laser; 532 nm) or the Blue Laser (445 nm). The laser is applied using flexible laser fibers and can be optimally performed under local anesthesia, often through the nose (transnasally).

This laser treatment has been routinely used in the United States for approximately 15 years for the treatment of leukoplakia with dysplasia.

The surgical removal of leukoplakia primarily aims to safely remove the diseased tissue and prevent the development of cancer. However, this could potentially lead to a deterioration of voice quality. With a great deal of experience and skill, it is often possible to preserve good voice quality despite the surgery.

Appointment Scheduling

To schedule an appointment, you can reach us by phone at 01752920000, contact us via WhatsApp, or send us an email at contact@thevoiceclinic.de.

Alternatively, you can also visit us directly (please make an appointment in advance):

TheVoice Clinic

Medical Center for Voice Disorders, Swallowing Difficulties, Respiratory Diseases, and Laser Therapy

Dr. med. A. Nasr

Bahnhofstraße 22

71034 Böblingen

We look forward to assisting you!