Medical and surgical treatment of pediatric dysphonia.

The production of sound for communication is the last of the prime functions of the larynx, yet it is its most salient feature. Pediatric dysphonia may be caused by a variety of general causes. These causes may be classified as infectious, anatomic, congenital, inflammatory, neoplastic, neurologic, and iatrogenic. When a child presents with hoarseness, a complete assessment is necessary. Fine points during the history and physical may help distinguish between those pathologic conditions found in these general categories.