Diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls in benign vocal fold diseases

More than half of patients who present with the symptom of hoarseness show benign vocal fold changes. The clinician should be familiar with modern diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of benign vocal fold changes in order to ensure an optimal and individualized attention to voice patients. Basic knowledge of the etiology are provided for targeted phonosurgical or conservative therapy. This review article focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic limitations and difficulties of treatment of benign vocal fold tumors, the management and prophylaxis of scarred vocal fold changes and the issue of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.