The chance of vocal cord leukoplakia evolving into laryngeal cancer is about 5 ~ 16%.
Vocal cord leukoplakia is a white patchy disease caused by hyperkeratosis and hyperkeratosis of the vocal cord epithelium and is generally considered to be precancerous.
The vocal folds are divided into three layers, the mucosal epithelium, the lamina propria and the muscularis propria. Vocal cord leukoplakia usually involves the epithelial layer and does not invade the lamina propria and muscularis. The common symptom of vocal fold leukoplakia is hoarseness. Laryngoscopy usually shows white patches on the surface or edges of the vocal folds, which are mostly single, and the activities of the vocal folds are usually not affected.
Vocal cord leukoplakia can evolve into laryngeal cancer. Vocal cord leukoplakia should pay attention to quit smoking and drinking in life, eat less stimulating food, avoid the factors that stimulate the mucous membrane of the throat, and carry out acid-suppressing treatment for those who suffer from pharyngeal reflux.
Follow-up observation of patients with milder condition, those who have not been cured for a long time can have the tumor removed by biopsy, surgical resection treatment, usually under laryngoscopy, and the resected specimen should be sent to pathology examination to avoid the missed diagnosis of early laryngeal cancer.
It is suggested that patients with vocal cord leukoplakia should seek medical treatment in time, listen to the doctor’s advice to take measures, and take quiet rest during the treatment period, maintain good dietary habits and regular work and rest, and avoid smoking and alcohol abuse, which will help their recovery.