Abstract
Objectives: Reinke's edema has long been considered a benign lesion that affects the vocal cords. However, a few recent studies have noticed different grades of dysplasia associated with Reinke's edema which provoked a debate on whether to consider Reinke's edema as a precancerous lesion or not. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dysplasia and malignancy in patients with Reinke's edema in a single center.
Design: This is a retrospective study
Setting: King Abdulaziz University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Subjects: Retrospective analysis of 25 laryngeal biopsies of proven Reinke's edema
Intervention: A detailed history regarding smoking and alcohol consumption, gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms, voice abuse, and other factors was taken.
Main Outcome Measure: Endolaryngeal mucosal biopsies were histologically examined for the evidence of dysplasia or malignancy.
Results: Forty percent of patients with proven Reinke's edema were found to have dysplastic changes which were mild in 24% and moderate in 8% of cases. Strikingly, 8% of cases had invasive malignancy. Smoking and alcohol were found to be significantly associated with dysplastic changes.
Conclusions: The study shows high prevalence of dysplasia and malignancy in the cohort of Reinke's edema that necessitates long term follow up of these patients, frequent biopsies, and early detection, preventive and therapeutic measures.