Hyperkeratosis of the larynx is a very important and perplexing subject to the laryngologist. It is considered a precancerous lesion, and in many cases such growths actually do metamorphose into true cancers. However, many of the lesions are benign, and so we feel that radical treatment is frequently unnecessary. The problem is, how do we differentiate the benign lesion from those that may become malignant and those already showing evidence of early malignancy? The next question is, can we formulate methods of handling these cases that will eliminate the disease and at the same time avoid radical and mutilating procedures? At the outset it may seem that the problem is not a very difficult one, and yet the experienced laryngologist frequently finds himself confronted with instances that are baffling as to the course of treatment that should be followed.
Hyperkeratotic areas in the larynx may develop characteristic malignant changes without