Singer’s Nodules: Investigating the Etiopathogenetic Markers Progressing Their Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations

Vocal nodules (or Singer’s nodules) are benign vocal cord structures which are commonly encountered by clinicians. Though phonetic trauma/abuse is thought to be the main cause of the development of vocal nodules, the exact etiopathogenesis remains unknown. Hence, we compared the immunohistochemical markers for proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis (TUNEL), growth (EGFR), ischemia (VEGF), inflammation (IL-1α and 10), and immunoreactive innervation (PGP 9.5), in vocal nodule tissue samples obtained from 10 females (17–56 years) and vocal cord tissue from seven controls. A statistically significant increase in Ki-67, TUNEL, EGFR, VEGF and IL-1α expression was noted (p < 0.05) between nodule tissue and control tissue in both epithelial and subepithelial layers. However, the difference was non-significant for both IL-10 and PGP 9.5 (p > 0.05). All markers demonstrated moderate to strong positive correlations, except for IL-10. These findings suggest increased cellular growth and proliferation in vocal nodules coupled with a persistent presence of inflammatory and ischemic environment. Furthermore, global prevalence of apoptotic cells and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines highlight the presence of underlying complex mechanisms in the etiopathogenesis of vocal nodules, with age having a negligible impact on the marker levels. Our results could potentially further our knowledge in understanding the effects of different treatment modalities available at the cellular level.

Videolaryngoscopy Findings of the Vocal Health Program in Dysphonic Teachers in the Federal District, Brazil

Introduction The high phonatory demand required of teachers is a direct cause of the onset of vocal symptoms and of the development of laryngeal disorders. Objective To describe the findings of the laryngeal screening performed as part of the Vocal Health Program held in the Federal Distrcit of Brazil in 2014 and 2015. Methods The study was performed with 361 dysphonic teachers from public schools who attended the laryngeal screening (videolaryngoscopy) part of the program. Data on anamnesis, the degree of dysphonia, the findings of the laryngeal screening, the referrals made after the laryngeal screening, and the result of the assessment of vocal aptitude for work were analyzed from the forms of each participating teacher. Results The sample of the present study (N = 361) represents 18.23% of the 1,980 teachers that went through the vocal screening of the program in 2014 and 2015. In total, 98 (27.15%) teachers presented mild dysphonia, 221 (61.22%), moderate dysphonia, and 42, (11.63%) severe dysphonia. Regarding the laryngeal screening (videolaryngoscopy exam), 269 teachers (74.52%) presented laryngeal disorders, and the main ones found were vocal nodules (43.87%), signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux (37.17%), hourglass chink (18.22%), vascular dysgenesis (18.22%), midposterior triangular chink (9.67%), and double chink (8.55%). Conclusion Laryngeal screening through videolaryngoscopy and auditory-perceptual screening of the voice as part of vocal health programs are essential to define the diagnosis and therapeutic conduct for teachers with dysphonia. Together with intervention activities, continuing education and adequate and accessible treatment, the periodic evaluation of vocal health can contribute to reduce absenteeism and improve the quality of life and of the voice of teachers.

Allergic Rhinitis and Laryngeal Pathology: Real-World Evidence

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is correlated with diseases including allergic laryngitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The unified airway model suggests that inflammation can spread in both lower and upper respiratory tracts. Moreover, some voice problems—laryngeal edema, dysphonia, and vocal nodules—have been associated with AR. We examined the association between AR and laryngeal pathology. We investigated 51,618 patients with AR between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2013, along with 206,472 patients without AR matched based on age, gender, urbanization level, and socioeconomic status at a 1:4 ratio. We followed patients up to the end of 2013 or their death. The occurrence of laryngeal pathology was the primary outcome. Individuals with AR had a 2.43 times higher risk of laryngeal pathology than the comparison cohort group (adjusted HR: 2.43, 95% CI: 2.36–2.50, p < 0.001). Patients diagnosed as having AR exhibited higher comorbidity rates, including of asthma, COPD, CRS, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and nasal septum deviation, than those of the comparison cohort. Our results strongly indicate that AR is an independent risk factor for laryngeal pathology. Therefore, when treating AR and voice problems, physicians should be attuned to possible laryngeal pathology.

A study into the clinicopathological profile of patients with voice change

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Hoarseness is a symptom used to describe change in normal quality of voice and is usually described as harsh, grating voice which can be lower in pitch and more or less discordant.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The present study was carried out on 160 patients in the Department of ENT in PKDIMS over a period of 2 years from 2018 March to 2020 March. All patients with a history of voice change were evaluated. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 160 patients between the age group of 21- 80 years were studied. The number of males and females were 97 (61%) and 63 (39%) respectively. Laborers (32%) and housewives (21%) are the major group affected. Smoking (25%) was the most common predisposing factor followed by alcohol consumption (21%). Voice change can be due to various pathologies. In the present study the most common etiology for voice change was vocal nodules (23%) followed by chronic laryngitis (13%), growth in the pharynx and larynx (11%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Voice is important for our communication. Any disturbance in voice affects the individual’s social and personal life. Treatment depends on the individuals needs and their diagnosis. Drug therapy, voice therapy, microlaryngeal surgery are the various treatment modalities done for our patients.</p>

Maximum and Minimum Phonatory Glottal Area before and after Treatment for Vocal Nodules

Background: Vocal fold nodules (VFNs) are a challenge for otolaryngologists. Glottal area (GA) waveform analysis is an examination method used for assessing vocal fold vibration and function. However, GA in patients with VFNs has rarely been studied. This study investigated the maximum and minimum GA in VFN patients using modern waveform analysis combining ImageJ software and videostroboscopy. Methods: This study enrolled 42 patients newly diagnosed with VFN, 15 of whom received voice therapy and 27 of whom underwent surgery. Acoustic parameters and maximum phonation time (MPT) were recorded, and patients completed the Chinese Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-C10) before and after treatment. After videostroboscopy examination, the maximum and minimum GAs were calculated using ImageJ software. The GAs of patients with VFNs before and after surgery or voice therapy were analyzed. Results: The MPTs of the patients before and after voice therapy or surgery did not change significantly. VHI-C10 scores decreased after voice therapy but the decrease was nonsignificant (14.0 ± 8.44 vs. 9.40 ± 10.24, p = 0.222); VHI-C10 scores were significantly decreased after surgery (22.53 ± 7.17 vs. 12.75 ± 9.84, p = 0.038). Voice therapy significantly increased the maximum GA (5.58 ± 2.41 vs. 8.65 ± 3.17, p = 0.012) and nonsignificantly decreased the minimum GA (0.60 ± 0.73 vs. 0.21 ± 0.46, p = 0.098). Surgery nonsignificantly increased the maximum GA (6.34 ± 3.82 vs. 8.73 ± 5.57, p = 0.118) and significantly decreased the minimum GA (0.30 ± 0.59 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00, p = 0.036). Conclusion: This study investigated the GA of patients with VFNs who received voice therapy or surgery. The findings indicated that voice therapy significantly increased maximum GA and surgery significantly decreased minimum GA. GA analysis could be applied to evaluate the efficacy of voice therapy, and it may help physicians to develop precise treatment for VFN patients (either by optimizing voice therapy or by performing surgery directly).

Study of glottic lesions in patients undergoing microlaryngeal surgery

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Vocal cords are the most common site of laryngeal pathologies. Hoarseness is the sentinel symptom for lesions affecting the glottis. The aim of this study was to categorize various types of lesions affecting the glottis in patients undergoing microlaryngeal surgery. Patients’ demographic profile, gender, occupational factors were studied. Clinical, microlaryngeal and histopathological correlation of the lesions was done.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 50 patients with glottic pathologies undergoing microlaryngeal surgery were included. Patients underwent detailed examination including indirect laryngoscopy, flexible fibreoptic laryngoscopy, followed by microscopic laryngeal examination under general anaesthesia. The lesions were excised using standard microlaryngeal instruments and the specimens were subjected to histopathological examination. The data was analysed. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> There was male preponderance (male: female ratio of 1.27:1). Housewives formed the largest group (28%). Commonest pathologies were vocal nodules (34%), vocal polyps (22%) and carcinoma (22%). Microlaryngoscopy was found to be the best means of visualizing the lesions and reaching a clinical diagnosis. In 10 (20%) patients, the final histopathological diagnosis was different from clinical diagnosis.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In this study, vocal nodules were the commonest lesions to affect the glottis. Microlaryngoscopy proved to be the best method for examination. Also, there was discrepancy in the clinical and histopathological diagnosis in 20% cases.</p>