What are the symptoms of laryngeal leukoplakia?

Generally, laryngeal leukoplakia is a hyperplastic lesion of the laryngeal mucosal epithelium, and its main symptoms include hoarseness, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, dry cough, voice fatigue, and throat dryness. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Hoarseness: This is the most common symptom of laryngeal leukoplakia. In early stages, hoarseness is often intermittent and worsens with excessive voice use, improving slightly after rest. As mucosal keratinization progresses, hoarseness gradually becomes persistent and difficult to relieve even with rest, severely affecting normal communication in advanced cases.

2. Sensation of a foreign body in the throat: Patients frequently feel as if there is something stuck in the throat—unable to be coughed up or swallowed—especially noticeable during dry swallowing. This discomfort is usually caused by the diseased mucosa stimulating nerve endings in the throat. Some patients may consequently clear their throats frequently.

3. Dry cough: Irritation from the foreign body sensation and mucosal inflammation often triggers paroxysmal, non-productive coughing. The cough is typically episodic, producing little or no sputum, sometimes only small amounts of mucus. Excessive coughing may further damage the laryngeal mucosa, creating a vicious cycle.

4. Voice fatigue: After prolonged speaking or shouting, patients often experience significant vocal fatigue, characterized by weak phonation and lowered pitch. Speaking can only continue after pauses for rest. This occurs because the lesion disrupts the regular vibration of the vocal cords, increasing the effort required for voice production.

5. Throat dryness: The disease may impair the secretory function of the laryngeal mucosa, leading to dryness. Patients often feel discomfort in the throat and need to drink water frequently for relief, although the effect is usually short-lived.

Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly upon noticing symptoms to obtain an accurate diagnosis, and to avoid harmful irritants such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and overuse of the voice. During treatment, maintaining a light diet and regular作息 (daily routine) supports mucosal healing and reduces the risk of disease progression.