Life-threatening asphyxiation owing to a giant vocal cord polyp: Case report

Various causes of airway obstruction have been reported, such as foreign substances or tumours. However, few studies have reported sudden asphyxiation owing to causes other than foreign substances. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman with impaired consciousness owing to asphyxiation caused by a giant vocal cord polyp. Vocal cord polyps are usually diagnosed based on symptoms, such as hoarseness. However, owing to the undiagnosed polyp and the patient’s impaired consciousness, her condition was difficult to diagnose. The patient required emergency airway management to avoid cardiac arrest. Surgery was performed after the patient’s general condition improved. Diagnosis is not always easy in cases of impaired consciousness or asphyxiation due to causes other than foreign substances. This report emphasises the importance of identifying vocal cord polyps that may grow undiagnosed and obstruct the airway.