Inflammatory and granulomatous lesions of the larynx and pharynx

A number of inflammatory and granulomatous lesions can involve the larynx and pharynx. These conditions are generally difficult to diagnose because of the range of symptoms. This article reviews the following conditions: supraesophageal complications of reflux disease, relapsing polychondritis, Wegener granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculous laryngitis, Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer resin; DuPont, Wilmington, DE) granuloma, amyloidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The purpose is to provide a brief review of each disease and its manifestations, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. (C) 2001 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.