Vocal fold scars: a common classification proposal by the American Laryngological Association and European Laryngological Society.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Vocal fold scar is one the most challenging benign laryngeal pathologies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a classification that will allow for a common description of this entity between laryngologists, prevent discrepancies in interpretation, allow for comparison of related studies, and offer a training tool for young laryngologists. METHODS/RESULTS: Based on the depth and laterality of scarring, we propose 4 types type I, characterized by atrophy of lamina propria with/without affected epithelium; type II, where the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscle are affected; type III, where the scar is located on the anterior commissure; type IV, which includes extended scar formation in both anteroposterior and rostro-caudal axis with significant loss of vocal fold mass. CONCLUSION: We believe that our proposal is comprehensive and encompasses all existing iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic etiologies in a simple and concise manner. It also serves its purpose as a descriptive, comparative, and training tool.