[Comparative research on vocal polyps and nodules]

One hundred and eighty-four cases of vocal polyps and 64 cases of vocal nodules are reported. Of these cases, 6 polyps and 10 nodules had been studied with electron microscope: 40 cases of polyps and 15 cases of nodules were investigated histo-chemically with PAS, AB-PAS, HID-AB, Congo Red and other methods. It seems that polyps are distinctly different from nodules. They are different diseases. The main difference between them is that polyp of the vocal cord is caused primarily by circulation impediment, thrombosis, exudation and edema of the lamina propria of the mucous membrane due to inflammation, there is secondary atrophy of the epithelium of the cord, vocal nodule is caused primarily by vocal abuse, this leads to friction or dash of the vocal cords against each other, there is circumscribed hyperplasia or hyperkeratinization and secondary hyaline-degeneration in lamina propria of the cord. The differential diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment had been discussed.