Post endolaryngeal laser surgery carbon granuloma

Abstract

Aim: This study was performed to highlight the phenomenon of carbon granulation formation after laser vocal cord surgery. Emphasis was put on the fact that these granulomas closely resemble tumor recurrence and due to the similarity of appearance, histological evaluation is necessary for diagnosis. Methods: This study included 35 male patients presenting to the Acibadem University Hospital with early-stage laryngeal cancer between 2009 and 2013. All patients underwent laser-assisted interventions on the vocal cords. Patient follow-up was continued for two years and granuloma formation or tumor recurrence was noted. Results: During the two-year follow-up period, a total of five patients presented with new vocal cord lesions. One of the cases was determined to be a tumor recurrence. The remaining four were carbon granulomas that regressed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Although carbon granuloma formation is not very common, it is still frequent enough to be thoroughly discussed in the literature. With laser surgery for early-stage laryngeal cancer becoming more popular every day, the incidence of carbon granulomas is likely to increase. An algorithm for this type of lesion without putting patients' health at risk will be a valuable tool in the near future.