Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps — MCQs
A patient presents with hoarseness and laryngoscopy reveals a warty, cauliflower-like growth on the vocal cord. Identify the most likely lesion.
Reinke's layer is seen in:
Which of the following is true regarding Singer's nodule?
A 50-year-old smoker presents with hoarseness, dysphagia, and weight loss. Flexible laryngoscopy shows a mass on the vocal cords. What is the next best step?
The preferred treatment of verrucous carcinoma of the larynx is:
A patient presents with hoarseness of voice and a clinical condition as shown in the image. Identify the lesion:
A localized nodule of squamous cell carcinoma in the vocal cord is best treated by
A 50-year-old male with a long smoking history presents with a 2-month history of hoarseness, ear pain, and hemoptysis. Laryngoscopy reveals a mass on the vocal cords, and a chest X-ray shows a suspicious nodule. What is the most likely diagnosis?
During thyroidectomy, which nerve, if damaged, can cause a hoarse voice?
A singer presents with difficulty singing at a high pitch. On examination, bowing of the vocal cord is observed on the right side. Which of the following muscles has likely been compromised?
Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A patient presents with hoarseness and laryngoscopy reveals a warty, cauliflower-like growth on the vocal cord. Identify the most likely lesion.
- A. Laryngeal papilloma (Correct Answer)
- B. Laryngeal malignancy
- C. Tracheomalacia
- D. Reinke’s edema
Explanation: ***Laryngeal papilloma*** - **Hoarseness** and a **warty, cauliflower-like growth** on the vocal cord are classic descriptions of a laryngeal papilloma, often caused by **HPV infection**. - These lesions can be solitary or multiple, and while benign, they can recur and cause voice changes and respiratory obstruction. *Laryngeal malignancy* - While hoarseness is a common symptom of laryngeal malignancy, the description of a **"warty, cauliflower-like growth"** is more characteristic of a papilloma than most typical carcinomas, which might appear more ulcerative or infiltrative. - Malignancies are more commonly associated with risk factors like **smoking and alcohol use**, and often present with other symptoms like dysphagia or weight loss. *Tracheomalacia* - **Tracheomalacia** refers to softening of the tracheal cartilage, leading to airway collapse, typically causing stridor or respiratory distress. - It does not present as a **discrete growth** on the vocal cords but rather as a diffuse structural weakness of the trachea. *Reinke’s edema* - **Reinke's edema** (polypoid corditis) is characterized by a **gelatinous or fluid-filled swelling** of the vocal cords, usually associated with chronic irritation like smoking. - It presents as a swollen, boggy appearance of the vocal cords, not a warty or cauliflower-like growth.
Question 2: Reinke's layer is seen in:
- A. Vocal cord (Correct Answer)
- B. Tympanic membrane
- C. Cochlea
- D. Reissner's membrane
Explanation: ***Vocal cord*** - **Reinke's space**, also known as Reinke's layer, is the superficial layer of the **lamina propria** of the vocal cord. - This layer is crucial for the **vibration of the vocal folds**, which is essential for sound production. *Tympanic membrane* - The **tympanic membrane**, or eardrum, is a thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear [1]. [2]. - It vibrates in response to **sound waves** and transmits these vibrations to the ossicles, playing a role in hearing, not vocalization [1], [2]. *Cochlea* - The **cochlea** is a spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear involved in the sense of hearing [2]. - It contains the **organ of Corti**, which converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses but has no connection to vocal cord anatomy [2]. *Reissner's membrane* - **Reissner's membrane** (vestibular membrane) is a thin membrane that separates the scala vestibuli from the scala media within the cochlea. - Its primary function is to maintain the **composition of the endolymph** in the scala media, and it is part of the auditory system, not the larynx.
Question 3: Which of the following is true regarding Singer's nodule?
- A. Laser therapy is treatment of choice
- B. It occurs at junction of anterior 1/3rd and posterior 2/3rd (Correct Answer)
- C. Requires excision as its potentially malignant
- D. Most common symptom is pain
Explanation: ***Correct: It occurs at junction of anterior 1/3rd and posterior 2/3rd*** **Singer's nodules**, also known as **vocal cord nodules**, are typically found at the junction of the **anterior one-third and posterior two-thirds** of the true vocal cords. This area experiences the most vibratory stress and contact during phonation, making it prone to trauma from vocal abuse, leading to the formation of bilateral benign lesions. *Incorrect: Laser therapy is treatment of choice* **Voice therapy** is the **first-line treatment** for Singer's nodules, aiming to modify vocal behaviors and reduce vocal strain. **Surgery**, including laser therapy or microlaryngeal excision, is reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative voice therapy and when nodules significantly impair vocal function. *Incorrect: Requires excision as its potentially malignant* Singer's nodules are **benign lesions** with no malignant potential. They are not considered premalignant and do not undergo malignant transformation. Surgical excision is considered only if voice therapy fails after adequate trial and the nodules continue to cause significant dysphonia. *Incorrect: Most common symptom is pain* The most common symptom associated with Singer's nodules is **hoarseness** or **dysphonia** (altered voice quality). The voice may sound breathy, rough, or strained. **Pain is generally not a prominent symptom** of vocal cord nodules, which helps differentiate them from other laryngeal pathologies like laryngitis or vocal cord polyps with inflammation.
Question 4: A 50-year-old smoker presents with hoarseness, dysphagia, and weight loss. Flexible laryngoscopy shows a mass on the vocal cords. What is the next best step?
- A. Direct laryngoscopy with biopsy (Correct Answer)
- B. MRI of neck
- C. CT scan of neck
- D. Radiotherapy
Explanation: ***Direct laryngoscopy with biopsy*** - A definitive diagnosis of a vocal cord mass requires **histological examination** to rule out malignancy, especially given the patient's risk factors (age, smoking) and symptoms (hoarseness, dysphagia, weight loss). - **Direct laryngoscopy** allows for a thorough, magnified view of the mass and precise biopsy collection, which is superior to flexible laryngoscopy alone for definitive diagnosis and staging. *MRI of neck* - While MRI can provide excellent soft tissue detail for **staging** a known malignancy, it cannot provide a **histological diagnosis**. - It would typically be performed after a biopsy confirms malignancy to assess the extent of the tumor and potential spread. *CT scan of neck* - A CT scan is useful for evaluating **bony involvement**, lymph node status, and tumor extension for **staging purposes**, but it is not a diagnostic tool for identifying the specific type of tissue or cell pathology. - Like MRI, a CT scan would generally follow a biopsy confirming malignancy. *Radiotherapy* - **Radiotherapy** is a treatment modality for laryngeal cancer, not a diagnostic step. - Initiating treatment without a definitive histological diagnosis of malignancy would be inappropriate and potentially harmful.
Question 5: The preferred treatment of verrucous carcinoma of the larynx is:
- A. Electron beam therapy
- B. Total laryngectomy
- C. Endoscopic removal (Correct Answer)
- D. Partial laryngectomy
Explanation: ***Endoscopic removal*** - Verrucous carcinoma is a **well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma** with a **low metastatic potential**, making local control the primary goal. - **Endoscopic removal** (e.g., CO2 laser excision) allows for precise removal with good functional outcomes and is often curative for early-stage lesions. *Electron beam therapy* - While radiation can be used for laryngeal cancers, verrucous carcinoma has a **tendency to dedifferentiate (become more aggressive)** or develop **anaplastic transformation** after radiation therapy. - This can lead to a more aggressive, conventional squamous cell carcinoma with poorer prognosis, making it a less preferred primary treatment. *Total laryngectomy* - **Total laryngectomy** is a highly morbid procedure that involves the complete removal of the larynx. - It is reserved for extensive, deeply infiltrative tumors or cases where other treatments have failed, which is typically not the case for most verrucous carcinomas. *Partial laryngectomy* - **Partial laryngectomy** involves removing part of the larynx, aiming to preserve voice and swallowing function. - This is an option for certain laryngeal cancers, but for verrucous carcinoma, less invasive endoscopic removal is often sufficient and preferred given its non-invasive nature.
Question 6: A patient presents with hoarseness of voice and a clinical condition as shown in the image. Identify the lesion:
- A. Diphtheria (Correct Answer)
- B. Follicular tonsillitis
- C. Aphthous ulcer
- D. Membranous tonsillitis
Explanation: ***Diphtheria*** - The image shows a **thick, grayish-white pseudomembrane** covering the tonsils and likely extending to other parts of the pharynx, which is a classic sign of diphtheria. - **Hoarseness** indicates laryngeal involvement, a severe complication of diphtheria due to pseudomembrane formation extending to the larynx, potentially causing airway obstruction. *Follicular tonsillitis* - This condition presents with **pus-filled follicles** or spots on the tonsils, which are typically yellow or white, rather than a confluent membrane. - While it causes throat pain and fever, it generally does not lead to the formation of a **firm, adherent pseudomembrane** or significant hoarseness from laryngeal obstruction as seen in diphtheria. *Aphthous ulcer* - An aphthous ulcer is a **small, painful, shallow sore** with a white or yellowish center and a red border, typically found on the non-keratinized oral mucosa. - It does not present as a widespread, thick membranous lesion covering the tonsils and causing hoarseness. *Membranous tonsillitis* - While "membranous tonsillitis" describes the presence of a membrane on the tonsils, this term is often used generally. However, the specific characteristics in the image (thick, grayish, adherent membrane with severe symptoms like hoarseness) are pathognomonic for **diphtheria**. - Other causes of membranous tonsillitis, such as infectious mononucleosis, typically present with a less adherent membrane and often lack the severe systemic toxicity and potential for rapid airway compromise seen in diphtheria.
Question 7: A localized nodule of squamous cell carcinoma in the vocal cord is best treated by
- A. Cryosurgery
- B. Radiotherapy
- C. Laser therapy (Correct Answer)
- D. Surgical excision
Explanation: ***Laser therapy (Transoral Laser Microsurgery)*** - **CO2 laser excision** is an excellent first-line treatment for localized T1a squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord, offering **>90% cure rates**. - Advantages include: **precise tumor removal**, immediate pathological assessment with margin evaluation, **excellent voice preservation**, and shorter treatment duration compared to radiotherapy. - **Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM)** allows for cord-sparing procedures that maintain vocal function while achieving complete oncological resection. *Radiotherapy* - **Important Note:** **Radiotherapy is EQUALLY effective** as laser therapy for early T1 glottic cancer, with comparable **5-year local control rates (>90%)** and voice quality outcomes. - Both laser surgery and radiotherapy are **guideline-recommended first-line treatments** (NCCN, ESMO guidelines). - Choice between the two depends on tumor characteristics (anterior commissure involvement), patient preference, institutional expertise, and functional outcomes. - In examination contexts, laser therapy may be preferred as it provides histopathological confirmation and is often considered more definitive for "localized nodules." *Cryosurgery* - **Cryosurgery** is rarely used for vocal cord lesions due to **unpredictable tissue destruction**, potential for severe **vocal cord scarring**, and inability to obtain tissue for pathological margin assessment. - Not a standard treatment option for laryngeal cancer. *Surgical excision* - This term is ambiguous as **laser excision IS a form of surgical excision**. - If referring to **open surgical approaches** (laryngofissure, cordectomy via external approach), these are more invasive than transoral laser surgery and are reserved for larger tumors or salvage situations. - Traditional "cold steel" endoscopic excision is less precise than laser and can cause more trauma and scarring.
Question 8: A 50-year-old male with a long smoking history presents with a 2-month history of hoarseness, ear pain, and hemoptysis. Laryngoscopy reveals a mass on the vocal cords, and a chest X-ray shows a suspicious nodule. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Tuberculosis
- B. Laryngeal carcinoma (Correct Answer)
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Chronic bronchitis
Explanation: ***Laryngeal carcinoma*** - The combination of **hoarseness, ear pain, and hemoptysis** in a patient with a **long smoking history** is highly suggestive of **laryngeal carcinoma**. - **Hoarseness** is the cardinal symptom of glottic laryngeal cancer, while **ear pain** (referred otalgia via Arnold's nerve) suggests advanced disease. - **Laryngoscopy identifying a vocal cord mass** provides direct visualization of the tumor. - The **suspicious nodule on chest X-ray** may represent a **synchronous primary lung cancer** (both share smoking as a major risk factor), **distant metastasis**, or requires further evaluation. Smokers are at high risk for multiple aerodigestive tract malignancies. *Tuberculosis* - While **hemoptysis** and a **suspicious nodule on chest X-ray** can be seen in tuberculosis, **hoarseness** and **ear pain** are not typical primary symptoms. - Laryngeal tuberculosis is rare and usually secondary to pulmonary TB with **constitutional symptoms** like fever, night sweats, and weight loss, which are not mentioned. - A **vocal cord mass** would be unusual for TB without systemic features. *Pneumonia* - **Pneumonia** typically presents with acute symptoms such as **cough, fever, dyspnea, and chills**. - **Hoarseness** and **ear pain** are not characteristic features of uncomplicated pneumonia. - A **mass on the vocal cords** is not associated with pneumonia, and the **2-month duration** is too prolonged for typical bacterial pneumonia. *Chronic bronchitis* - **Chronic bronchitis** is defined by a **chronic productive cough** for at least three months a year for two consecutive years. - While common in smokers, it typically does not cause **ear pain, hemoptysis**, or a **vocal cord mass**. - Chronic bronchitis does not produce discrete masses on laryngoscopy, differentiating it from a malignant process.
Question 9: During thyroidectomy, which nerve, if damaged, can cause a hoarse voice?
- A. Recurrent laryngeal; loops under aorta/subclavian (Correct Answer)
- B. Superior laryngeal; with superior thyroid artery
- C. Glossopharyngeal; along posterior thyroid
- D. Hypoglossal; inferior to thyroid
Explanation: ***Recurrent laryngeal; loops under aorta/subclavian*** - The **recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN)** innervates most of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, including the **posterior crico-arytenoid muscle**, which is responsible for abducting the vocal cords. - Damage to the RLN during thyroidectomy can lead to **vocal cord paralysis**, resulting in a hoarse voice, stridor, or aspiration. *Superior laryngeal; with superior thyroid artery* - The **superior laryngeal nerve (SLN)** branches into external and internal laryngeal nerves. The **external laryngeal nerve** runs with the **superior thyroid artery** and innervates the **cricothyroid muscle**, which is responsible for tensioning the vocal cords. - Damage to the SLN can cause subtle changes in voice pitch and reduced vocal range but typically does not cause hoarseness or vocal cord paralysis, which is more characteristic of RLN injury. *Glossopharyngeal; along posterior thyroid* - The **glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)** provides sensory innervation to the posterior third of the tongue, tonsils, pharynx, and middle ear, and motor innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle. - It is not directly related to vocal cord function or hoarseness as a result of thyroid surgery. *Hypoglossal; inferior to thyroid* - The **hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)** innervates all extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue, controlling tongue movement. - Damage to the hypoglossal nerve would affect speech articulation and swallowing but not directly cause hoarseness or vocal cord paralysis.
Question 10: A singer presents with difficulty singing at a high pitch. On examination, bowing of the vocal cord is observed on the right side. Which of the following muscles has likely been compromised?
- A. Posterior cricoarytenoid
- B. Lateral cricoarytenoid
- C. Cricothyroid (Correct Answer)
- D. Thyroarytenoid
Explanation: ***Cricothyroid*** - The **cricothyroid muscle** is primarily responsible for **tensioning and elongating the vocal cords**, which is crucial for increasing vocal pitch. - Damage to this muscle or its innervation (superior laryngeal nerve) results in an inability to reach higher pitches and can cause **vocal cord bowing** due to reduced tension. *Posterior cricoarytenoid* - This muscle is the **primary abductor** of the vocal cords, meaning it opens the vocal cords for breathing. - Compromise would lead to difficulty breathing or a paralyzed vocal cord in the adducted position, not bowing with difficulty singing high notes. *Lateral cricoarytenoid* - The **lateral cricoarytenoid muscle** is a **vocal cord adductor** and rotator, bringing the vocal cords together to regulate voice intensity. - Dysfunction typically results in a weak and breathy voice, or difficulty bringing the cords together, not specifically difficulty with high pitch. *Thyroarytenoid* - The **thyroarytenoid muscle** (which includes the vocalis muscle) acts to **relax and shorten the vocal cords**, lowering pitch and modulating vocal cord tension. - Dysfunction would primarily lead to difficulty with lower pitches or a hoarse voice, as it prevents proper relaxation of the vocal cords.
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