Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
[Functional dysphonia and benign vocal cord lesions in professional voice users]
Rosa Maria de Las Casas Battifora1, José Maria Ramada Rodillac
1MC Mutual, Barcelona, Spain. Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, 08003 Spain. 60065@parcdesalutmar.cat.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of benign vocal cord lesions (VC-BL) among patients diagnosed with functional dysphonia and to explore their associations with job performance as professional voice users (PVUs).
Methods:
A case series of 132 patients diagnosed with functional dysphonia. Direct videolaryngoscopy was performed to objectively document the presence of VC-BL. Information on occupation, sociodemographic variables and non-occupational risk factors was collected.We performed a descriptive analysis of the series, and stratified results by occupational exposure variables (PVU and Non-PVU) and sex.We explored bivariate associations between the presence of VC-BL and the other variables.
Results:
Patients were mainly women (58.3%), with a mean age and standard deviation of 48 ±13 years; 40% were PVUs. Forty-seven percent of all patients had evidence of VC-BL. The most prevalent lesions were polyps and/or nodules (29%). PVUs with functional dysphonia showed a higher prevalence of VC-BL (57%) than Non-PVUs (40%). PVUs showed an increased risk of VC-BL (crude prevalence odds ratio [cPOR]=1.48; 95CI%=0.74-2.98), mainly with polyps/nodules (cPOR=1.77; 95%CI=0.82-3.78) and chronic laryngitis (cPOR=2.31; 95%CI=0.37-14.32). Smoking was significantly associated with an increased risk of polyps and/or nodules in the entire patient population (cPOR=2.95; 95%CI=1.33-6.53).
Conclusions:
Performing a job as PVU was associated with an increased risk of VC-BL, mainly polyps/nodules and chronic laryngitis. Occupational health services should always evaluate this risk when the voice is a primary working tool, in order to implement early preventive measures.
Related Concept Videos
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Esophageal Achalasia
