The frequency of fungal involvement in abnormal vocal cord biopsy specimens.

ABSTRACT

Finding an unsuspected fungal infection of the true vocal cord prompted a retrospective study of abnormal vocal cords received as surgical specimens. Of 30 cases initially diagnosed histologically as either inflammation or hyperkeratosis, two (in addition to the index case) contained fungal elements visible on special stains. None of the patients had systemic mycoses on examination or on follow-up. Local excision apparently cured all lesions. Fungi may cause more vocal cord lesions than previously recognized and cannot be well visualized on routine sections.