Scleroma of the larynx

Twenty-two cases of rhinoscleroma were studied to determine the involvement of the larynx. The study revealed that scleroma affected the larynx in 40 per cent of cases. In the larynx, scleromatous lesions were found in the subglottic region and the disease was observed in stages i.e., atrophic, granulomatous (proliferative i.e., nodular) and a fibrotic or sclerotic (scarring) stage as found in the nose. The role of laryngological examination is established in the diagnosis of asymptomatic and early laryngeal lesions and in assessing response to initial treatment. Extensive granulomatous lesions were treated by open excision by the laryngofissure approach which was found to be the best method resulting in a quick recovery without any evidence of subglottic stenosis. The disease as a whole is discussed in the light of available literature.