Electron microscopic observation of vocal fold polyps

Objective The purpose of this study was to observe the ultrastructure of the fibroblasts, collagen and elastic fibers in vocal fold polyps. Methods Ten vocal fold polyps and 3 normal vocal fold specimens obtained from total laryngectomy were studied by means of transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. Results The result showed that in vocal fold polyps, the quantity of fibroblasts increased and there were abundant organelles, suggesting that the fibroblast were in the status of activation. As the main cell to produce lamina propria extracellular matrix, the representation suggested that the extracellular matrix metabolism was active. Leucocytes soakage was observed, suggesting that the inflammation may play a role in the lesion. It was found by scanning electron microscopy that in case of lesions, collagen fibers and elastic fibers arrayed irregularly. Conclusions Under pathologic circumstance, fibrobalsts, collagen and elastic fibers altered in morphology, which possibly induced the functional alteration. Key words: Vocal cords; Polyps; Fibroblasts; Collagen; Elastin