Polypoid vocal folds. A 10-year review of 191 patients

During the 10 years from 1971 to 1980, 191 patients with polypoid vocal folds were seen at the Department of Otolaryngology, Kurume University Hospital. A retrospective review of the clinical records of these 191 patients was completed. Results were the followings: 1) There was no marked difference in incidence between male and female; 2) The incidence was high in the age groups of 40 years or older; 3) Most patients were smokers; 4) Bilateral lesions were much more frequent than unilateral lesions; 5) Long-lasting hoarseness was the commonest symptom; 6) Vocal abuse, alcohol drinking and air pollution did not prove to be etiologic factors; and 7) No significant differences in subjective voice improvement were found between the stripping and the sucking technique.