Disorders of the throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx) may represent short-lived (acute) inflammation and infections, persistent (chronic) inflammation, or abnormal growths. Specific disorders include vocal cord polyps and nodules, contact ulcers, vocal cord paralysis, laryngoceles, laryngeal papillomas (see Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders in Children: Laryngeal Papillomas), and cancer (see Nose and Throat Cancers).

Throat infections (pharyngitis) are particularly common among children, although adults may be affected as well. Causes, symptoms, and treatment are similar in both groups (see Symptoms of Nose and Throat Disorders: Sore Throat), except that in adults (and sexually abused children), gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, may affect the throat.

Last full review/revision July 2008 by Clarence T. Sasaki, MD