A patient presented with hoarseness of voice. He was found to be having pachydermia laryngitis. All of the following are true except –
**Pachydermia Laryngitis**
**Core Concept**
Pachydermia laryngitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the larynx characterized by thickening of the mucosal lining and hypertrophy of the vocal cord coverings, leading to hoarseness of voice. This condition is often associated with chronic exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, or chemicals.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pachydermia laryngitis involves the chronic inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, which leads to the thickening of the mucosal lining and hypertrophy of the vocal cord coverings. This results in the shortening of the vocal cords, which in turn causes hoarseness of voice. The condition is often associated with the presence of Reinke's space edema, which is a characteristic feature of pachydermia laryngitis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Pachydermia laryngitis can be caused by chronic exposure to irritants, including smoke, dust, or chemicals. This option is true.
**Option B:** Pachydermia laryngitis is characterized by the thickening of the mucosal lining and hypertrophy of the vocal cord coverings, which can lead to hoarseness of voice. This option is true.
**Option C:** Pachydermia laryngitis often presents with symptoms such as hoarseness of voice, coughing, and difficulty swallowing. This option is true.
**Option D:** Pachydermia laryngitis is often associated with Reinke's space edema, which is a characteristic feature of the condition. This option is true.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical feature of pachydermia laryngitis is the presence of Reinke's space edema, which is a characteristic feature of the condition. This can be remembered using the mnemonic "RICE" - Reinke's space edema, Inflammation, Chronic exposure, and Edema.
**Correct Answer:** D.