Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of deep learning models for identifying vocal cord leukoplakia, a condition that can lead to laryngeal (voice box) cancer. The team created a set of images of vocal cord leukoplakia, which they then sorted into six different categories ranging from normal tissues to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

They tested six different deep learning models on these images. Deep learning is a type of artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain in processing data for use in decision-making. The models they tested were AlexNet, VGG, Google Inception, ResNet, DenseNet, and Vision Transformer.

The results showed that Google Inception (also known as GoogLeNet), DenseNet-121, and ResNet-152 were best at classifying the images. The highest accuracy was 95.83% for white light images and 94.78% for narrow band imaging (NBI) images, a type of endoscopy used to visualize the throat and voice box.

In conclusion, the research team found that GoogLeNet, ResNet, and DenseNet are effective in accurately classifying vocal cord leukoplakia. This could help in early diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions, and reducing the workload for physicians performing endoscopies.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of using deep learning models in identifying vocal cord leukoplakia?
  2. Which deep learning models were found to be most effective in classifying images of vocal cord leukoplakia?
  3. How could this research potentially impact the diagnosis and treatment of vocal cord leukoplakia?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include avoiding talking or whispering for a period of time, staying hydrated, avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong scents, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with:

  1. Vocal cord leukoplakia: Patients with vocal cord leukoplakia, a precancerous condition characterized by white patches on the vocal cords, may be recommended surgery to remove the abnormal tissue and prevent the development of laryngeal cancer.

  2. Vocal cord nodules: Vocal cord nodules are benign growths that can develop on the vocal cords due to vocal strain or overuse. Surgery may be recommended to remove the nodules and improve vocal function.

  3. Vocal cord polyps: Vocal cord polyps are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the vocal cords, causing hoarseness and other voice changes. Surgery may be recommended to remove the polyps and restore normal vocal function.

  4. Vocal cord paralysis: Vocal cord paralysis can result in difficulty speaking, breathing, and swallowing due to one or both vocal cords not moving properly. Surgery may be recommended to reposition or stabilize the vocal cords and improve voice and swallowing function.

  5. Vocal cord cancer: Patients with vocal cord cancer may undergo surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and preserve as much normal vocal cord function as possible.

Overall, vocal cord surgery may be recommended for a variety of conditions affecting the vocal cords, with the goal of improving voice quality, function, and overall quality of life for patients.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent cough.
  2. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who may recommend a laryngoscopy to examine the vocal cords.
  3. If vocal cord leukoplakia is suspected, the patient may undergo further testing such as imaging studies or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
  4. Once vocal cord leukoplakia is confirmed, the patient may be advised to undergo vocal cord surgery to remove the abnormal tissue.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery, which may involve procedures such as laser surgery, microsurgery, or endoscopic surgery.
  2. Patient may experience temporary hoarseness or voice changes as the vocal cords heal.
  3. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their otolaryngologist to monitor the healing process and ensure that the vocal cords are functioning properly.
  4. Patient may be referred to a speech therapist for voice rehabilitation exercises to improve vocal function post-surgery.
  5. Patient continues to undergo regular check-ups to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for treating my specific condition?
  3. How long is the recovery period after vocal cord surgery?
  4. Will I need to undergo speech therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to surgery that I should consider?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative instructions or precautions?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  9. What can I expect in terms of voice quality and function after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after vocal cord surgery?

Reference

Authors: You Z, Han B, Shi Z, Zhao M, Du S, Yan J, Liu H, Hei X, Ren X, Yan Y. Journal: Head Neck. 2023 Dec;45(12):3129-3145. doi: 10.1002/hed.27543. Epub 2023 Oct 14. PMID: 37837264