Risk of malignancy in patients with Reinke's Edema: evaluation of long-term follow-up results

Reinke's edema is a benign lesion affecting the subepithelial layer of the vocal cords, often associated with moderate or heavy smoking. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for dysplastic laryngeal lesions, laryngeal carcinomas, and Reinke's edema. Thus, Reinke's edema could potentially be a predisposing factor for laryngeal malignancy in the long term. This study aimed to determine the rate of dysplasia and invasive carcinoma development in the larynx during long-term follow-up of histopathologically confirmed Reinke's edema.

Between 2010 and 2019, 28 patients diagnosed with Reinke's edema via microlaryngoscopy and histopathological confirmation were included in this study. Their clinical and pathological data were examined to identify the development of laryngeal dysplasia and malignancy during long-term follow-up.

Among the 28 patients, 16 (57%) were female and 12 (43%) were male. A history of smoking was present in 24 (85%) patients. No new pathology was found during long-term follow-up in 21 (75%) patients. None of the patients developed dysplasia or malignancy histopathologically. Seven (25%) patients underwent repeated biopsies during follow-up, and minimal dysplasia was detected in 1 (4%) patient. No invasive carcinoma developed in any patient during long-term follow-up.

Despite the high rate of smoking among patients with Reinke's edema, no malignancy developed during long-term follow-up, though there was a low incidence of dysplasia. Therefore, close monitoring of these patients is recommended.