Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

laryngeal papilloma
A warty growth in the lar-
ynx, usually on the vocal cords. Persistent hoarse-
ness is a common symptom.
laryngeal papillomatosis
The presence of
numerous warty growths on the vocal cords caused
by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is con-
tracted at birth via the vaginal canal of a mother with
genital warts. Laryngeal papillomatosis is most com-
mon in young children under age 3 but may occur
at any age. Recurrences of laryngeal papillomatosis
are, unfortunately, frequent. Remission may occur
after several years.
laryngectomee
A person who has had his or her
larynx (voice box) removed. See also 
laryngectomy.
laryngectomy
Surgery to remove part or all of
the larynx. The surgeon performs a tracheostomy,
creating an opening in the front of the neck
(stoma). Air enters and leaves the trachea and lungs
through the stoma. A tracheostomy tube keeps the
new airway open.
laryngectomy, partial
A laryngectomy that pre-
serves the voice. The surgeon removes only part of
the larynx (voice box)—just one vocal cord, just
part of a vocal cord, or just the epiglottis—and the
opening in the front of the neck (stoma) is tempo-
rary. After a brief recovery period, the tracheostomy
tube is removed, and the stoma closes up. The
patient can then breathe and talk in the usual way.
In some cases, however, the voice may be hoarse or
weak.
laryngectomy, total
A laryngectomy in which the
whole larynx (voice box) is removed, and the open-
ing in the front of the neck (stoma) is permanent.
The patient breathes through the stoma and must
learn to talk in a new way.
laryngitis
An inflammation of the larynx.
Inflammation of the larynx is most often caused by
viral infections. In these cases, other symptoms,
such as sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing, and
fever, generally occur. The voice changes may persist
after the fever and other symptoms of acute infection
have resolved. Laryngitis can also occur as a result of
irritation to the vocal cords. People such as singers,
cheerleaders, or even small children after bouts of
screaming may find that they become hoarse or
speak with a “gravelly” voice after prolonged over-
use. Environmental causes of irritation of the airway
that can result in inflammation of the larynx include
exposure to tobacco smoke or other chemicals.