Vocal Cord Granulomas

A series of 16 vocal cord granulomas in adults and children were studied; of these, seven occurred postintubation. All granulomas were removed at least once and the recurrence rate was high. On average, there were three removals, and some patients are still under observation. The recurrence rate did not seem to be related to removal by surgical excision or by laser. We postulate, contrary to conventional teaching, that vocal ulcer and vocal cord granuloma should be regarded as separate entities which occur at the same anatomical site.