Mass on the Glottis
Patient Details: 63-year-old male, height 165 cm, weight 66 kg, Asian descent. Lifestyle Factors: No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Medical History: Diagnosed with asthma and angina. Current Medications: Uses a Symbicort inhaler and takes Concor tablets. Main Concern: A mass was detected during a gastroendoscopy carried out a year ago. There is no report of pain, but the patient experiences mild hoarseness. What might be the diagnosis?
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 4:30:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
The presence of a mass on the glottis along with mild hoarseness in a 63-year-old male could suggest several potential diagnoses, including benign conditions like polyps or nodules, or more serious concerns like laryngeal cancer. Given the absence of pain and lifestyle factors such as no smoking or alcohol use, the initial concern may lean towards a benign growth; however, the risk for malignant changes increases with age.
Explanation:
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Mass on the Glottis: This could represent several entities:
- Benign Growths: Such as vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts, which often develop due to vocal strain or irritation.
- Malignant Tumors: Such as laryngeal cancer, especially given the patient's age.
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Hoarseness: This can result from the mass obstructing or affecting the vocal cords' function, which is common in both benign and malignant conditions.
Next Steps:
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Monitoring Symptoms:
- Keep track of any changes in hoarseness (progression, duration) and note any new symptoms (e.g., difficulty swallowing, breathing changes, or changes in voice).
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Managing Current Conditions:
- Continue using the Symbicort inhaler and Concor tablets as prescribed, ensuring asthma and angina are well-controlled, as these conditions can complicate the situation.
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Lifestyle Considerations:
- Maintain good hydration to help with throat comfort and to support vocal cord health.
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Assessing for Urgent Symptoms:
- If you notice worsening symptoms like significant difficulty swallowing, increased respiratory distress, or persistent severe cough, seek immediate attention.
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Follow-up Plan:
- Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential, particularly involving an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation of the mass, potentially including imaging or biopsy if indicated.
Continue to monitor and manage your health diligently, and do not hesitate to reach out for further guidance if your symptoms change or if you have any concerns.
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