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Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Investigating the Three-dimensional Flow Separation Induced by a Model Vocal Fold Polyp
Published on: February 3, 2014
Airway obstruction secondary to vocal cord polyp
Carolyn F Filarski1, Carrlene B Donald, Anthony P Mendez
1At the time this article was written, Carolyn F. Filarski was a physician assistant fellow in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the Mayo Clinic Arizona in Scottsdale, Ariz. She now works in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, Calif. Carrlene B. Donald practices in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the Mayo Clinic Arizona and is an assistant professor in otolaryngology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Anthony P. Mendez practices in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at Mayo Clinic Arizona and is the program director of the Mayo Clinic's Physician Assistant Fellowship in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. David G. Lott is an associate professor of otolaryngology and a laryngologist at Mayo Clinic Arizona. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Abstract:
Patients with vocal cord polyps commonly present with symptoms of hoarseness. Although rare, large polyps can cause shortness of breath and stridor and should be included in the differential for patients with airway obstruction. Dysphonia or hoarseness can be a symptom of underlying disease, such as head and neck cancer. This case illustrates the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis in a patient with persistent symptoms and a history of smoking. Obtaining a laryngoscopy is crucial to appropriately evaluate the larynx. Proper visualization of the laryngeal structures will help direct patient care toward further diagnostic imaging and medical or surgical intervention if indicated.
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