Structural changes of human vocal fold in patients suffering from chronic hoarseness : scanning electron microscopic study

الملخص EN

Eight patients 40to 75 years age were included in this study.

Biopsies were obtained from the region of the lesion by direct laryngoscope, and were prepared for scanning electron microscopic study (SEM).

Three patients aged 27, 40 and 58 years were selected as control.

They had no case history of hoarseness, but an operation on the larynx was also indicated.

Specimens were examined under (SEM) study the state of mucous membrane and submucosal edema.

Collagen and elastic fibers were denser and more rough than those in the control, they were branched and formed a complicated network.

The interfibrillar spaces were smaller than those of the control group where there was splitting and lacuna or cyst formation.

Vocalis muscle fibers were reduced in thickness in comparison to control.