KERATOSIS of the larynx is seen rather frequently in a large laryngeal clinic and is often a perplexing disease from the standpoint of treatment. During the past several years, we have encountered cases at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary that eventually came to operative removal by laryngofissure, and the reasoning involved in such a conclusion is the purpose of this communication.
Keratosis or hyperkeratosis of the larynx is a localized hyperplasia of the epithelium. Grossly, it appears as a white or grayishwhite elevated area that may be smooth but usually is irregular and wrinkled. Its elevation makes it stand out from the surrounding mucsoa, which very frequently is in a state of chronic inflammation.
Microscopically, keratosis is recognized by an increase in the size of the squamous epithelial layer, especially of the cornified portion. The surrounding mucosa and submucosa sometimes show evidence of a chronic inflammatory process.