🩺 Concise Applied Q&A – Laryngoscopy & Organic Voice Disorders

Q1. Which scope should be used if a patient can’t tolerate rigid laryngoscopy but needs speech observation?

A: Flexible scope – allows natural speech and connected voice use.

Q2. How does mirror laryngoscopy work?

A: A small mirror reflects the larynx under light — quick, low-tech exam option.

Q3. How does stroboscopy show slow motion?

A: Uses light flashes slightly off from vibration rate; Talbot’s law makes motion appear slow.

Q4. What does irregular, asymmetric vibration mean?

A: Likely pathology (e.g., paresis, nodules, or scar).

Q5. Name three things to assess on laryngoscopy.

A: Glottic closure, amplitude, mucosal wave — reflect voice quality and tissue health.

Q6. How do nodules differ from polyps?

A: Nodules: bilateral, chronic misuse, treated with therapy.
Polyps: unilateral, sudden trauma, often need surgery.

Q7. Teacher with bilateral thick lesions and hoarseness — diagnosis and treatment?

A: Chronic nodules; treat with voice therapy.

Q8. Low, rough voice in a smoker — cause?

A: Reinke’s edema from smoking or reflux (fluid in Reinke’s space).

Q9. What advice for laryngitis?

A: It’s temporary inflammation; rest, hydrate, avoid yelling or whispering.

Q10. Cyst on vocal fold — effect and layer?

A: Breathy, rough voice; involves superficial lamina propria.

Q11. Why do intubation granulomas form?

A: Tube irritation on posterior folds; ask about recent intubation.

Q12. How does reflux cause contact ulcers?

A: Acid irritation of posterior folds → ulceration and inflammation.

Q13. What does Candida laryngitis look like?

A: White patches; common in immunocompromised or inhaled-steroid users.

Q14. How does HPV affect the larynx?

A: Causes papillomas (wart-like growths) → hoarseness; needs surgery.

Q15. Why is leukoplakia concerning?

A: Precancerous white patches → require biopsy and monitoring.

Q16. Child with stridor but normal voice — likely cause?

A: Laryngeal web blocking the airway near anterior folds.

Q17. How does sulcus vocalis affect voice?

A: Groove limits vibration → breathy, weak, rough voice.

Q18. Difference between varix and ectasia?

A: Varix: single dilated vessel. Ectasia: network of widened vessels. Both ↑ bleeding risk.

Q19. What is subglottal stenosis and its symptoms?

A: Narrowed airway below vocal folds → stridor, breathing issues.

Q20. Hoarseness appears only during speech — which scope?

A: Flexible, for connected speech observation.

Q21. One fold moves less on stroboscopy — likely cause?

A: Neurological weakness or scar → asymmetry.

Q22. Reflux with posterior redness and lesions — likely diagnoses?

A: Contact ulcers or granulomas from acid irritation and throat clearing.