Vocal cord paralysis (VCP)--an aetiologic review of 100 cases over 20 years

A retrospective analysis of the aetiology of 100 cases of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) seen over two consecutive decades at a large general hospital has been performed. One half of the cases seen were due to malignancy, mainly carcinoma of lung; 16% of cases were due to trauma or surgical procedures, while cardiac and neurological-related diseases were associated with 7% and 6% of cases respectively and miscellaneous causes accounted for 6%. Fifteen per cent of all cases remained undiagnosed. When the first and second decades were compared for evolving trends, there was a decrease in the incidence of VCP as a complication of lung cancer, but not significant change following thyroid surgery. The nature of idiopathic VCP is discussed in some detail.