Abnormal Cricoid Cartilage Morphology C4073246
An unusual shape or structure of the ring-shaped cartilage in the voice box. Can affect breathing or voice. Specialist evaluation may be needed.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- H93.9
- ICD-11
- 9B00.0
- Body system
- otolaryngologic
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Stridor
High-pitched breathing sound during inhalation caused by partial airway obstruction at the laryngeal level.
Seek immediate medical attention if stridor is loud, persistent, or accompanied by breathing difficulty.
Shortness of Breath
Feeling of breathlessness or difficulty breathing, particularly during physical exertion or when lying flat.
Seek emergency care if shortness of breath is severe, sudden, or worsens rapidly.
Hoarseness
(otolaryngologic)Raspy or breathy voice quality resulting from altered vocal cord function due to cricoid cartilage abnormality.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Dysphonia
(otolaryngologic)Persistent changes in voice quality including roughness, strain, or vocal fatigue.
Frequency: 65-75% of patients
Chronic Cough
(respiratory)Persistent dry or productive cough lasting more than 4 weeks, often related to airway irritation.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Globus Sensation
(otolaryngologic)Feeling of a lump or foreign body in the throat without actual presence of obstruction.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Difficulty Swallowing
(gastrointestinal)Sensation of food sticking or pain when swallowing due to pressure effect on the esophagus.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Throat Fullness
(otolaryngologic)Sensation of pressure or fullness in the neck or throat region from abnormal cartilage morphology.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Wheezing
(respiratory)Musical whistling sound during breathing, often mistaken for asthma when related to laryngeal narrowing.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Neck Discomfort
(constitutional)Mild pain or tenderness in the anterior neck region surrounding the cricoid cartilage.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Laryngoscopic surveillance
Regular endoscopic evaluation of the larynx to monitor cricoid cartilage morphology and assess airway patency over time.
Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Cricoid cartilage reconstruction
Surgical repair or reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage to improve airway diameter and function when structural abnormality causes significant breathing difficulties.
Additional treatment options
Airway dilation
Minimally invasive procedure using balloon or bougie dilation to temporarily enlarge the airway lumen at the cricoid level.
procedureVoice and swallowing therapy
Specialized speech-language pathology intervention to optimize voice production and swallowing mechanics despite structural limitations.
physical_therapyEnvironmental airway protection
Avoidance of airway irritants including smoke, pollutants, and extreme temperatures with humidification use to reduce mucosal inflammation.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Cricoid Cartilage Morphology C4073246?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Management of the Difficult Airway. Practice Guidelines for Management of the Difficult Airway: An Updated Report. Anesthesiology. 2022;136(1):31-81.
Myssiorek D. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis: anatomy and etiology. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2008;41(3):569-580.
Friedman M, ed. Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Surgical and Non-Surgical Therapy. Elsevier; 2020.
Parikh SR, et al. American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Pediatric Perioperative Airway Management. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021059347.
Cohen JT, Zaiman L, Laitman CA. Pediatric laryngeal stenosis: update on etiology and management. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;28(6):417-423.
Cotton RT, Gray SD, Miller RP. Update on pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis. Laryngoscope. 2019;129(10):2328-2334.
International Consensus on Pediatric Airway Surgery. Consensus statement on pediatric airway surgery. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;150:110958.
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Clinical practice guideline: acute otitis media. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;162(2_suppl):S1-S41.
Rutter MJ, Yellon RF, Blecher N. Pediatric airway disorders: cricoid cartilage and subglottic stenosis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2018;127(10):666-671.
Shapiro NL, Mancuso R, Wang E. Endoscopic treatment of pediatric laryngeal stenosis: a systematic review. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021;147(5):435-444.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy