Nasopharynx and Larynx PDF

## NASOPHARYNX ### RHINITIS - Inflammation of the nasal mucosa; rhinovirus is the most common cause. - Presents with sneezing, congestion, and runny nose (common cold) - Allergic rhinitis is a subtype of rhinitis due to a type I hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., to pollen) - Characterized by an...

## NASOPHARYNX ### RHINITIS - Inflammation of the nasal mucosa; rhinovirus is the most common cause. - Presents with sneezing, congestion, and runny nose (common cold) - Allergic rhinitis is a subtype of rhinitis due to a type I hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., to pollen) - Characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophils - Associated with asthma and eczema ### NASAL POLYP - Protrusion of edematous, inflamed nasal mucosa. - Usually secondary to repeated bouts of rhinitis; also occurs in cystic fibrosis and aspirin-intolerant asthma. - Aspirin-intolerant asthma is characterized by the triad of asthma, aspirin-induced bronchospasms, and nasal polyps; seen in 10% of asthmatic adults. ### ANGIOFIBROMA - Benign tumor of nasal mucosa composed of large blood vessels and fibrous tissue. Classically seen in adolescent males - Presents with profuse epistaxis ### NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA - Malignant tumor of nasopharyngeal epithelium. - Associated with EBV; classically seen in African children and Chinese adults. - Biopsy usually reveals pleomorphic keratin-positive epithelial cells (poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma) in a background of lymphocytes. - Often presents with involvement of cervical lymph nodes ## LARYNX ### ACUTE EPIGLOTTITIS - Inflammation of the epiglottis. _H influenzae_ type b is the most common cause, especially in nonimmunized children. - Presents with high fever, sore throat, drooling with dysphagia, muffled voice, and inspiratory stridor; risk of airway obstruction. ### LARYNGOTRACHEOBRONCHITIS (CROUP) - Inflammation of the upper airway; parainfluenza virus is the most common cause. - Presents with a hoarse, "barking" cough and inspiratory stridor ### VOCAL CORD NODULE (SINGER'S NODULE) - Nodule that arises on the true vocal cord. - Due to excessive use of vocal cords; usually bilateral. - Composed of degenerative (myxoid) connective tissue. - Presents with hoarseness; resolves with resting of voice ### LARYNGEAL PAPILLOMA - Benign papillary tumor of the vocal cord. - Due to HPV 6 and 11; papillomas are usually single in adults and multiple in children. - Presents with hoarseness. ### LARYNGEAL CARCINOMA - Squamous cell carcinoma usually arising from the epithelial lining of the vocal cord. - Risk factors are alcohol and tobacco; can rarely arise from a laryngeal papilloma. - Presents with hoarseness; other signs include cough and stridor.