Mr. Van frequently experienced recurrent hoarseness, recently losing his voice, prompting him to visit Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City. Laryngoscopic stroboscopy revealed Reinke's edema on his right vocal cord, characterized by reduced mucosal wave, a convex vocal cord shape, decreased vocal cord vibration, and incomplete glottic closure.

Master, Doctor, Second-Degree Specialist Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, ENT Center, diagnosed Mr. Van with congested laryngopharyngitis and Reinke's edema of the vocal cord. Reinke's edema is also known as polypoid laryngitis or polypoid degeneration of the vocal cords (Reinke's space). This benign chronic inflammatory condition occurs when the superficial layer of the vocal cord mucosa becomes congested and accumulates fluid.

Master, Doctor, Second-Degree Specialist Nguyen Nhu Duy, from the ENT Center, performed a suspension laryngoscopy on the patient. The doctor used micro-forceps to completely remove the Reinke's edema from the right vocal cord, achieved local hemostasis, cleared the hypopharynx, and withdrew the suspension laryngoscope.

Extensive Reinke's edema affecting nearly the entire right vocal cord is a severe lesion, less common than the typically localized form. This diffuse edema increases the vocal cord's mass and thickness, reducing its normal vibratory capacity, leading to Mr. Van's prolonged hoarseness, which did not resolve with medical treatment, according to Doctor Duy.

Doctor Nhu Duy performing a throat endoscopy on Mr. Van during a follow-up examination. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*.

Post-surgery, Mr. Van's health was stable, and he was discharged after one day, with a recommendation for vocal rest for 3-5 days. When resuming speech, he should avoid speaking loudly or excessively until his vocal cords fully recover. During his follow-up examination a week later, the surgical site was healing well, and he practiced speaking at a low volume.

Risk factors for Reinke's edema include smoking, prolonged and continuous speaking, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. In later stages, the edema fluid may gradually decrease and be replaced by fibrous tissue bands, resembling polyps on the vocal cords. The increased mass and thickness of the vocal cords disrupt mucosal vibration, causing hoarseness and reducing the ability to control vocal pitch.

Reinke's edema can affect one or both vocal cords. Common symptoms include varying degrees of hoarseness, a deepened voice, vocal fatigue, reduced vocal range, and difficulty producing high notes. Severe edema can lead to shortness of breath due to airway narrowing.

Doctor Duy recommends preventing Reinke's edema by limiting risk factors, staying hydrated, and promptly treating upper respiratory tract diseases. Individuals experiencing hoarseness for more than 2-3 weeks should consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist for a laryngeal endoscopy and timely treatment to improve their quality of life.

Uyen Trinh

*The patient's name has been changed