Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | Volume 2, Issue 3 | Research Article | Open Access

Histopathological Changes of Vocal Cord Polyps Induced by Smoking

Najjar Esmat1,2*, Hilly Ohad1,2, Tzelnick Sharon1,2, Aron Popovtzer2,3, Jacob Shvero1, Wolfson LR4 and Koren Rumelia4

1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Israel
2Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
3Depratment of Oncology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Israel
4Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

*Correspondance to: Najjar Esmat 

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Abstract

Background: Histopathological changes of the respiratory epithelium in response to cigarette smoking have been studied in depth in the lungs and oral cavity, but in the Vocal Cord Polyps (VCP). The aim of this study was to investigate the histological changes that occur in the VCP of smokers compared with non-smokers. Patients: The files of patients who underwent VC polypectomy during 1/2013 to 12/2017 were review. Polyp’s tissue samples were collected and examined. Goblet cells were counted, the inflammation degree, congestion, and edema was graded as mild, moderate, or severe. Epithelial thickness was measured as well. Findings were compared between smokers and non-smokers.
Results: A 73 patients underwent VCP resection during the study period. Exclusion criteria included: carcinoma in situ, post-radiotherapy, incomplete data, and lack of follow up. The 66 patients (70 polyps to 4 bilateral) were included. Mean age was 48 years. On statistical analysis, Non-significant differences were found between the smokers and nonsmokers in mean number of goblet cells in the nasal epithelium (p<0.64), and mean epithelial thickness (p<0.68). The corresponding mean values of congestion were similar in both groups (p<0.35), the same also with the inflammation grade, (p<0.31). The only significant difference was the mean edema grade (p<0.1). Conclusions: The histopathological findings in the VCPs of smokers resemble reported no special findings in the respiratory epithelium between the two groups. Surprisingly these findings are neither in line with the reported smoking-induced changes in nasal mucosa nor the lung respiratory epithelium. More data should be investigated.

Keywords:

Vocal cord; Polyps; Smoking; Goblet cells

Citation:

Esmat N, Ohad H, Sharon T, Popovtzer A, Shvero J, Wolfson LR, et al. Histopathological Changes of Vocal Cord Polyps Induced by Smoking. Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019;2(3):1043.

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