Candida laryngitis appearing as leukoplakia and GERD

The symptoms and physical findings of reflux laryngopharyngitis are characteristic, but the mucosal alterations evident in the larynx are not exclusive to reflux. When conventional reflux management produces an equivocal response, other etiologic factors such as mycotic laryngitis, need consideration. The differential diagnosis of dysphonia in an immunocompromised patient always includes mycotic infections, but mycotic laryngitis can also occur in the immunocompetent host. Laryngeal candidiasis can produce physical findings, such as erythema and leukoplakia, that are similar to reflux laryngopharyngitis. Predisposing factors include previous radiation therapy, antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, and any alteration in the mucosal barrier. Diagnosis is established by mucosal biopsy with special staining of the tissue to identify the characteristic hyphae. Treatment of mycoses can be difficult and long-term therapy is often required.