Our Summary
This research paper is about a new way to diagnose a condition called vocal cord leukoplakia, which is a white patch that forms on the vocal cords and can sometimes be cancerous. The method uses a tool called a NBI endoscope, which allows doctors to look at the vocal cords in a different way.
In the study, they looked at 120 cases of vocal cord leukoplakia. They found that this new method was able to correctly identify whether the leukoplakia was cancerous or not in about 91% of cases. This is much better than the previous method, which was only correct about 70% of the time.
In terms of identifying cancerous leukoplakia, the new method was accurate 83% of the time (sensitivity), and was able to correctly identify non-cancerous leukoplakia 93% of the time (specificity). The new method was also very consistent with the diagnosis from a pathology lab.
In conclusion, this new way of diagnosing vocal cord leukoplakia using an NBI endoscope is more accurate at telling the difference between cancerous and non-cancerous leukoplakia than the previous method.
FAQs
- What is the new method for diagnosing vocal cord leukoplakia?
- How accurate is the new method using an NBI endoscope in identifying cancerous and non-cancerous leukoplakia?
- How does the accuracy of the new method compare to the previous method of diagnosing vocal cord leukoplakia?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery that this new method of diagnosing vocal cord leukoplakia using a NBI endoscope is more accurate and reliable, which can help guide the treatment plan and improve outcomes. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider regularly and communicate any concerns or changes in their voice after surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with vocal cord leukoplakia that is suspected to be cancerous, as early detection and treatment of vocal cord cancer is crucial for successful outcomes. Additionally, patients with vocal cord lesions such as nodules, polyps, or cysts that are causing significant voice problems or are not improving with conservative treatments may also be recommended for surgery. Other conditions that may require vocal cord surgery include vocal cord paralysis, scar tissue on the vocal cords, or benign or malignant tumors on the vocal cords. Ultimately, the decision to recommend vocal cord surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Timeline
Before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a persistent cough, or a lump in the throat. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as a laryngoscopy or biopsy to determine the cause of their symptoms.
After vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience temporary hoarseness or difficulty speaking. They may need to follow specific post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities, not talking excessively, and avoiding irritants like smoke. They may also need speech therapy to help regain their voice and learn proper vocal techniques.
Overall, the timeline of a patient before and after vocal cord surgery involves undergoing diagnostic tests, receiving a diagnosis, undergoing surgery, and then recovering and rehabilitating their voice.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
- How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
- What are the success rates of vocal cord surgery for treating conditions like vocal cord leukoplakia?
- Are there alternative treatment options available for my condition that I should consider?
- How many times have you performed vocal cord surgery and what is your success rate?
- Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
- How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvement in my vocal cord function?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to follow after the surgery?
- How long do the effects of vocal cord surgery typically last?
- Are there any long-term risks or complications associated with vocal cord surgery that I should be aware of?
Reference
Authors: Ni XG, Zhu JQ, Zhang QQ, Zhang BG, Wang GQ. Journal: Laryngoscope. 2019 Feb;129(2):429-434. doi: 10.1002/lary.27346. Epub 2018 Sep 19. PMID: 30229933