Contact ulcers of the larynx most commonly occur at:
- A The anterior third of the vocal cord (anterior commissure)
- B The ventricular folds (false cords)
- C The posterior third of the vocal cord overlying the vocal process of the arytenoid ✓
- D The subglottis below the level of the true cords
Correct answer: C. The posterior third of the vocal cord overlying the vocal process of the arytenoid
Explanation
Contact ulcers (contact granulomas) occur at the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage, where the medial surfaces of the two arytenoids impact forcefully during voicing. They are caused by vocal abuse (especially hard glottal attack), laryngopharyngeal reflux, or post-intubation trauma (intubation granuloma). The overlying mucosa ulcerates and granulation tissue forms. Treatment addresses the cause: voice therapy, anti-reflux treatment, and avoidance of throat clearing.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.