What is vocal cord leukoplakia?

I believe many people have never heard of vocal leukoplakia and don’t know what it is. In fact, vocal leukoplakia is a laryngeal disease with gray-white patches on the surface of the vocal cord mucosa. Patients with vocal leukoplakia will experience throat discomfort, hoarseness, or a foreign body sensation. Vocal cord leukoplakia can turn into cancer. When it comes to "cancer", many people will be afraid, thinking that any cancerous disease is incurable. However, vocal cord leukoplakia can be cured after it turns into cancer, so don't be afraid or panic. However, vocal cord leukoplakia does not necessarily turn into cancer. However, once the diagnosis is confirmed, it is best to seek timely treatment to prevent the condition from getting worse. Here are some of the major causes of vocal cord leukoplakia.

Although the exact cause of vocal cord leukoplakia is still unknown, like many diseases, it also has common triggering factors that can lead to its occurrence.

1. Cause 1: Chronic inflammation

Chronic laryngitis or inflammation of surrounding organs can cause long-term and repeated irritation of the vocal cords.

2. Cause 2: Acid Reflux

Acid reflux has also been a concern of otolaryngologists over the past decade. Acidic substances reflux up the throat will irritate the vocal cords, which is naturally an important reason for white spots on the vocal cords. In addition, there are quite a few people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, which requires attention.

3. Cause 3: Tobacco and alcohol

Vocal cord leukoplakia mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly men, and most patients have a history of smoking and drinking, which is closely related to long-term stimulation of the vocal cords.

4. Cause 4: Talking too much

Talking too loudly and frequently can cause excessive impact on the vocal cord mucosa, leading to epithelial hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Therefore, special groups of people who overuse their voices, such as teachers, actors, and businessmen, should pay special attention to protecting their voices.

5. Cause 5: Fatigue and low immunity

When you are tired and your immunity is low, any part of your body is vulnerable to damage and disease, and the vocal cords are no exception. Therefore, people who are busy at work or play too much and do not get enough rest should also be alert to this disease.

6. Cause 6: Malnutrition

Deficiency of vitamin A and vitamin B can also cause vocal cord leukoplakia.