Laryngeal polyp associated with reflux disease: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2020 Jan 4;14(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s13256-019-2324-0.

Abstract

Background: Among the most common benign laryngeal lesions are vocal nodules and polyps. Their etiology is related to vocal abuse. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition presenting with a broad spectrum of symptoms, among which are extraesophageal manifestations such as laryngeal polyps.

Case presentation: A 24-year-old Middle Eastern woman presented to the author's institution with dysphonia and dyspepsia. She underwent endoscopy and was diagnosed with severe reflux disease. In addition, laryngoscopy revealed a polyp at the left vocal cord, and the patient underwent polypectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a laryngeal polyp of telangiectatic type characterized by hyperplastic epithelial covering with reactive atypia, prominent superficial acanthosis with neutrophils, and prominent chronic inflammation and thrombosed vessels in the stroma.

Conclusion: This report focuses on the pathological findings associated with a laryngeal polyp in a young patient diagnosed with severe reflux disease. Acknowledging such characteristic changes in a laryngeal polyp could aid in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Laryngeal polyp; Pathological changes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dyspepsia / etiology
  • Dysphonia / etiology
  • Endoscopy
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Laryngeal Diseases / etiology*
  • Laryngeal Diseases / surgery
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Larynx / pathology*
  • Larynx / surgery
  • Polyps / etiology*
  • Polyps / surgery
  • Telangiectasis / pathology
  • Vocal Cords / pathology*
  • Vocal Cords / surgery
  • Young Adult