Dos
- Do treat any underlying reflux, as this is the most common driver of recurrence
Laryngeal Granuloma
Consultant-led diagnosis and treatment for laryngeal granuloma, a benign growth typically caused by reflux, intubation or vocal strain.
What is the condition?
A laryngeal granuloma is a benign, inflammatory growth that usually forms at the back of the vocal cords, most often linked to laryngopharyngeal reflux, forceful throat clearing, or irritation following a breathing tube used during a general anaesthetic.
Symptoms
What to look out for?
Granulomas commonly cause throat discomfort alongside voice changes.
- Hoarseness
- A sensation of a lump in the throat or discomfort when speaking
- Frequent throat clearing
Treatment
What can be done?
Treating the underlying cause — usually reflux — alongside voice therapy resolves many granulomas without surgery. Persistent granulomas may need microlaryngoscopy, sometimes combined with a botulinum toxin injection to rest the area during healing.
- Reflux treatment
- Voice therapy to reduce throat clearing and vocal strain
- Microlaryngoscopy for persistent cases
Prevention
What should I do?
Don'ts
- Don't throat-clear forcefully, as this can perpetuate the granuloma