Vocal Fold Cyst

January 18, 2021

.

Vocal Fold Cyst

.

Vocal fold (VF) cysts are benign growths (not precancerous or cancerous lesions) made up of a collection of material—usually mucus—that is surrounded by a membrane envelope. They are often referred to as a “clogged mucosal duct”, & are found “deeper” into the VF than other lesions/pathologies, underneath the epithelium within the superficial lamina propria (this layer is very important for normal voice function). They are often egg-shaped or round & can look like a mound WITHIN the VF (as opposed to VF nodules or polyps that often look like they are “hanging out” on the edges).

.

.

Unlike VF nodules or polyps that are typically associated with phonotrauma (loud voice use, hard coughing, consistent throat clearing, etc.) or overuse (high vocal demands without vocal naps or specific focused care to VF health), cysts are often the result of blocked mucus glands although it is not consistently clear why they form. However, the mucus glands are more prone to become “clogged” if the VFs are irritated (just like you may be more prone to develop nodules or polyps dependent on the ways you care for &/or use your VFs). When cysts occur at the midpoint of the VF, it may suggest phonotrauma & it is not uncommon to see VF irritation on the VF opposite the cyst. Cysts are typically found on one VF only & definitely cause a chronic & consistent dysphonia (hoarseness) because of irregularities in the VF vibratory parameters & VF closure patterns, usually affected by the location & size of the cyst. Often a “globus sensation” will also coincide with dysphonia (this is when you feel like “something is there” in your throat & this may prompt you to cough or throat clear).

.

.

Voice therapy & voice rest can help with reducing the associated VF edema (swelling), but will not eliminate the cyst. It is rare that a cyst may resolve on its own (usually when/if the blockage that caused the accumulation of fluid resolves); it is more common that a cyst must be removed via surgery (with the surgeon making every effort to remove the cyst intact because incomplete removal can lead to recurrence). Cysts are also more difficult surgeries because they are “deeper” into the VF tissue than other pathologies, & may have a higher risk of a scar (depth, size, & surgery technique will usually also play a role in possibility of scar).  

.

.

If you have experienced a change in voice that has lasted longer than 2 weeks, make sure you prioritize GETTING YOUR VFs LOOKED AT via a videostroboscopy with a laryngologist, ENT, &/or voice-specialized speech pathologist.

.

.

#vocalfoldcyst #cyst #prioritizeyourvoice #dysphonia #voicetherapy #videostroboscopy #VF #voice #voxfit #getscoped #benignlesion #pathology #speechpathologist #voicespecialist #chooseyourbestvoice #voicesfittoinspire #ent #laryngologist #lookinside