Non-cancerous tumours and conditions of the larynx

A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the larynx is a growth that doesn’t spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. A non-cancerous (benign) condition of the larynx is a change to laryngeal cells, but itʼs not cancer. Non-cancerous tumours and conditions are not usually life-threatening.

There are a few types of non-cancerous tumours of the larynx.

Papilloms are the most common non-cancerous laryngeal tumour. They are wart-like tumours that grow on and around your vocal cords. They are also sometimes called laryngeal papillomatosis or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. They are usually found in children but sometimes affect adults.

Papillomas are caused by human-papillomavirus (HPV). They sometimes become cancerous.

Papillomas can be removed with surgery. They often come back (recur), so more than one surgery is common.

Other types of non-cancerous tumours can develop in the larynx and are usually removed with surgery. These include the following:

• hemangiomas
• fibromas
• chondromas
• myxomas
• neurofibromas

There are some types of non-cancerous conditions of the larynx.

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx. It can be caused by a virus or by overusing your voice. There is no specific treatment for laryngitis, but your doctor may recommend cough suppressants (a type of cough medicine), resting your voice, drinking plenty of fluids or inhaling steam.

Vocal cord nodules, polyps and granulomas are types of non-cancerous growths. They can occur on one or both vocal cords.

Vocal cord nodules are caused by consistent yelling, shouting or singing. Nodules usually go away on their own once your voice has rested. Surgery is rarely needed.

Vocal cord polyps are often caused by overusing your voice, but other causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypothyroidism (when the thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones) or inhaling industrial fumes or cigarette smoke. Vocal cord polyps can be removed with surgery. After surgery, you may have speech rehabilitation to learn new speaking techniques. You will need to avoid harsh vocal habits, such as screaming, yelling or speaking too long at once.

Vocal cord granulomas are caused by an injury to the vocal cords, either from GERD or the insertion of a breathing tube through the mouth into the windpipe. Granulomas usually go away on their own after your voice has rested. Granulomas that don’t go away can be removed with surgery.

Vocal cord contact ulcers are non-cancerous sores on the cartilage of the vocal cords. They can occur on one or both vocal cords. They are caused by overusing your voice or by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Vocal cord contact ulcers go away on their own after your voice has rested. If the ulcers are caused by GERD, treating the reflux can also help them heal. Vocal cord contact ulcers can develop into vocal cord granulomas.