A comparative histopathological study of vocal fold polyps in smokers versus non-smokers

Background: A large proportion of patients with vocal fold polyps are cigarette smokers. However, prior to this report no comparative study of polyp histopathology in smokers versus non-smokers had been performed. Methods: A prospective histopathological study of vocal fold polyps excised from 29 patients was undertaken. This comprised a comparative analysis of polyp histopathology in smokers versus non-smokers and a review of the pertinent literature. Results: Vocal fold polyps were larger in smokers than in non-smokers. Histopathological features significantly associated with the polyps of smokers versus those of non-smokers were increased keratinisation, dysplasia, a basement membrane thinning and hyaline degeneration. Conclusion: Cigarette smoke has an injurious effect on vocal fold polyp epithelium and leads to increased hyaline degeneration in polyps.