Girish Fakirappa Hongal1
BACKGROUND Hoarseness of voice may be present due to various underlying pathologies. Hoarseness is subjective term used to describe abnormal voice quality which may occur due to many causes because it is just a symptom. Proper knowledge and clinic pathological profile is important to treat the underlying pathology. The aim and objectives of this study were 1. To study incidence, duration and sex predilection for hoarseness of voice. 2. To study different etiological and predisposing factors for hoarseness of voice. 3. Comparison of various methods in the early etiological diagnosis. 4. Study the various pathological correlates in various conditions causing hoarseness. 5. Relation of hoarseness with respect to various occupations. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was carried out in 200 patients presented in Department of ENT with complaint of hoarseness of voice for more than two weeks. RESULTS After taking detailed history of the patient, complete examination of Ear, Nose and Throat, Indirect laryngoscopy, Fibre Optic Flexible Endoscopy (FOFE) Examination is done. X-rays of tissue neck and if required CT Neck is done. Any suspicious tissue is sent for histopathological evaluation with Direct Laryngoscopy and Biopsy. Out of 200 patients maximum were from 50 to 70 years age group. 88% were males while only 12% were females. Labourers (37%) and farmers (32%) were the major groups affected. Smoking habit found in 60% of patients and tobacco chewing in 33% of patients and 17% having both. CONCLUSION Most common cause for hoarseness was found out to be laryngeal neoplasms of which supraglottic growth being commonest (37%) in our study. Hence proper diagnosis, through detailed history, clinical examination and investigations is warranted to find out the cause and starting of treatment.
