Differential Diagnosis of Hoarseness and Treatment of Its Causes

Abstract

Persistent hoarseness lasting longer than three weeks should be viewed with suspicion until laryngeal malignancy is ruled out. Surgical treatment for carcinoma of the larynx should produce very satisfactory results, and addition of radiation therapy offers some further benefit. Laryngofissure in suitable cases should give a five year cure rate of 80 per cent, and laryngectomy is still possible if there is recurrence. For very early lesions, cobalt therapy gives results almost equal to those of surgery, plus a satisfactory voice, and does not preclude later surgery. Laryngectomy for intrinsic carcinoma of the larynx should give a five year cure rate of roughly 70 per cent.