Prevalence of Laryngeal Disease in South Korea: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2011

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Benign Vocal Fold Lesion (polyp, cysts, nodules) and Leukoplakia in Korea.Materials and MethodsThe data from the 2008 to 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which were cross-sectional survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of South Korea. A survey team that included an otolaryngology residents, nurses, and interviewers moved with a mobile examination unit and performed laryngologic interviews and examinations of vocal folds using rigid telescopic laryngoscopy on survey participants over 19 years old (n=19636).ResultsLaryngoscopic examination revealed normal results in 19251 (98.04%) of those included in the survey. Abnormal laryngoscopic findings were observed in 1.96% of the population examined, and vocal cord nodules were the most common abnormal finding. The prevalence of vocal cord nodules was 0.99-1.72%, the prevalence of vocal cord polyps was 0.31-0.55%, the prevalence of vocal cysts was 0.04-0.17%, and the prevalence of vocal cord leukoplakia was 0.07-0.21%. There was no significant correlation of linear trend of prevalence by year, and there were no significant differences in prevalence between males and females.ConclusionThis is the first nationwide epidemiologic study to assess the prevalence of Benign Vocal Fold Lesion (polyp, cysts, nodules) and Leukoplakia by both the Korean Otolaryngologic Society and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The results of this large epidemiologic study provide valuable information regarding the prevalence of voice disorders and the management of laryngologic diseases.

Characteristics of a Dysphonic Population Referred for Voice Assessment and/or Voice Therapy

“…Two studies [3,7] reported psychogenic disorders occurring significantly more often in females, which cannot be confirmed by this study and the findings of Coyle et al [4]. Woo et al [8] reported no significant differences between males and females for the prevalence of nodules, cysts, polyps and leukoplakia. These differences are probably related to different inclusion/exclusion criteria, ethnical/cultural aspects and the fact that our research population was restricted to a treatment-seeking group.…”

“…Thirdly, population size and population distribution (children, adults, professionals) differ across studies and centers. In most studies, the enrolled subjects were limited to a population of a specific age or occupation group [8]. Data on the prevalence of dysphonia can be useful in estimating clinical needs and costs for a specific patient population.…”

Prevalence of voice disorders in the elderly: a systematic review of population-based studies

“…They reflect the situation of a service and exclude individuals who do not seek treatment. An epidemiological recent study evaluated the prevalence of laryngeal diseases in South Korea, but did not mention specific data on voice disorders [24].…”

“…Epidemiological information on prevalence of voice disorders helps to know the dimension of their effects on the communication skills and general health of the population, to estimate impact of expenses, to delineate the associate factors, and to develop early screening procedures to detect those at risk [21][22][23][24]. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to identify the prevalence of vocal disorders in elderly people in population-based studies.…”

Auditory-Perceptual and Acoustic Methods in Measuring Dysphonia Severity of Korean Speech

“…1 From the 19,636 adult subjects who were interviewed and assessed with mobile laryngoscopy units, 385 were positive for abnormal findings, which corresponds with a 1.96% prevalence of organic laryngeal disease (not taking other laryngeal pathologies into account, eg, paralysis, muscle tension dysphonia, and spasmodic dysphonia). This finding highlights the demand for methods to comprehensively assess voice (pathology) at the initial stage and to track outcomes of specific voice prevention, education, and treatment programs.…”