Lula underwent a “laryngoscopy to remove leukoplakia from the left vocal fold” – let’s understand what this damage to Lula’s vocal cords is
President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) was hospitalized this Sunday, the 20th, at the Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in São Paulo, to undergo a procedure on the larynx, with a biopsy, after discovering leukoplakia – when there is a lesion at the site. Lula was released this Monday morning the 21st. The president had a cancerous tumor there in 2011.
According to the medical bulletin published by Sírio-Libanês, Lula underwent a “laryngoscopy to remove leukoplakia from the left vocal cord”, which showed “no neoplasia” – when there is no possibly cancerous tissue.
Leukoplakia was diagnosed on November 12 in a routine evaluation. At that time, imaging tests were performed that showed complete remission of the tumor. diagnosed in the president in 2011.
After a series of evaluations, which included a nasofibroscopy, the result: leukoplakia in the larynx.
“Nasofibroscopy examination shows inflammatory changes as a result of vocal exertion and a small area of leukoplakia in the larynx,” Lula’s November 12 medical bulletin reported.
What is leukoplakia and how is nasofibroscopy done?
Nasofibroscopy is an endoscopic examination that evaluates the mucosa of the nasal cavity, pharynx, vocal cords and larynx – something similar to endoscopy, but in the region of the pharynx (nasal, oral and larynx).
The exam is so called because of the name of the device that analyzes the region: nasofibroscope.
The device consists of a rigid or flexible tube through which an optical fiber passes, with a camera at the end capable of viewing the inside of the nose. Considered one of the least invasive methods, it is also one of the most important in the diagnosis of upper respiratory tract diseases.
Performed by an otolaryngologist, the procedure is quick and nasally inserted. The camera captures images of the respiratory structures, allowing the doctor to analyze anatomy and abnormalities.
In Lula’s case, after examination, the diagnosis noted “inflammatory changes resulting from vocal exertion and a small area of leukoplakia in the larynx,” according to his advice. The condition is the development of white patches or plaques in the mouth, such as on the cheeks, vocal folds, laryngeal region and sometimes on the tongue.
Most leukoplakia spots are benign, progression to cancer occurs in less than 20% of cases. Lesions arise mainly from contact with irritating agents, such as tobacco, alcohol or gastroesophageal reflux – the latter, according to them, would also be the case with Lula, as she suffers from chronic gastric reflux, which inflames and injures the vocal cords.
The poor diet due to the election campaign contributed to this problem, in addition to the lack of time for the recommended speech therapy sessions recommended by doctors to maintain vocal power.
Among the symptoms of leukoplakia are: progressive hoarseness, burning and feeling of a foreign body in the throat, pain when swallowing and fatigue when speaking. The diagnosis is more present in the lives of men over 40 years old, what use tobacco or alcohol often.
What is the treatment of leukoplakia in the larynx?
Leukoplakia is considered common and the problem usually resolves itself by stopping or treating whatever is causing the reaction in the area – such as stopping smoking or treating reflux. However, in more severe cases, treatment may include surgical removal of the spots.
When Lula had cancer, he underwent more than 30 chemotherapy sessions and recovered from the disease. According to medical protocol, monitoring after remission of malignant tumors is also essential, so for this and other reasons (such as age), the politician keeps his exams up to date. Along with the results of the last check-up, his advisor stated that the medical assessments “continue to show complete remission of the tumor diagnosed in 2011”.
