Examination of 41 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis observed between 1975-1985.

Forty one cases of laryngeal tuberculosis, accounting for 0.8% of all cases of tuberculosis observed in 1975-1985, are evaluated. The mean age was 53 yrs, the male/female ratio 9:1. In all cases current or earlier pulmonary tuberculosis was noted. The laryngeal sites affected were, in order of frequency: true vocal cords, epiglottis, false cords and laryngeal ventricles, arytenoid and interarytenoid area, subglottic area. The patients were usually treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol for 6-12 months. Two cases required excision of laryngeal lesions. The results of chemotherapy were good.