Vocal Fold Cysts Workup

  • Author: John Schweinfurth, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA   more...
 
Updated: Jun 25, 2010
 

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Videostroboscopy is essential in making the diagnosis of a cyst. The mucosal wave overlying the cyst is decreased or absent in comparison with the opposite vocal fold because the cyst tethers the mucosa, altering the biomechanical properties of the lamina propria and preventing mucosal wave propagation. Nodules and polyps, which are contained entirely within the superficial layers of the lamina propria, usually do not severely hamper mucosal wave propagation (see Vocal Polyps and Nodules).
  • Despite the excellent visualization provided by videostroboscopy, it cannot replace direct laryngoscopy and palpation of the lesion as the criterion standard in diagnosis and should not be considered a substitute, especially in patients in whom a neoplastic process is possible.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

John Schweinfurth, MD  Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Mississippi Medical Center

John Schweinfurth, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Laryngological Association, American Medical Association, and Triological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Robert H Ossoff, DMD, MD  Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Compliance and Corporate Integrity and Maness Professor of Laryngology and Voice, Vanderbilt Medical Center

Robert H Ossoff, DMD, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Bronchoesophagological Association, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Surgeons, American Laryngological Association, American Laryngological Rhinological and Otological Society, American Medical Association, American Rhinologic Society, American Society for Head and Neck Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Sigma Xi, and Southeastern Surgical Congress

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Clark A Rosen, MD  Director, University of Pittsburgh Voice Center; Professor, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Clark A Rosen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Pennsylvania Medical Society

Disclosure: Bioform Medical Consulting fee Consulting; Bioform Medical Consulting fee Speaking and teaching

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Robert M Kellman, MD  Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Robert M Kellman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Neurotology Society, American Rhinologic Society, American Society for Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Society of the State of New York, and Triological Society

Disclosure: GE Healthcare Honoraria Review panel membership

Christopher L Slack, MD  Otolaryngology-Facial Plastic Surgery, Private Practice, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders

Christopher L Slack, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting; US Tobacco Corporation unstricted gift unknown; Axis Three Corporation Ownership interest Consulting; Omni Biosciences Ownership interest Consulting; Sentegra Ownership interest Board membership; Syndicom Ownership interest Consulting; Oxlo Consulting; Medvoy Ownership interest Management position; Cerescan Imaging Honoraria Consulting; GYRUS ACMI Honoraria Consulting

References

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  7. Gray SD, Hirano M, Sato K. Molecular and cellular structure of vocal fold tissue. In: Gauffin J, Hammarberg B, eds. Vocal Fold Physiology. San Diego: Singular Press; 1991:1-35.

  8. Hirano M. Surgical anatomy and physiology of the vocal folds. In: Voice Surgery. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book; 1993:125-58.

  9. Hirano M, Yoshida T, Hirade Y, et al. Improved surgical technique for epidermoid cysts of the vocal fold. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. Oct 1989;98(10):791-5. [Medline].

  10. Rubin JS, Lee S, McGuinness J, et al. The potential role of ultrasound in differentiating solid and cystic swellings of the true vocal fold. J Voice. Jun 2004;18(2):231-5. [Medline].

  11. Sataloff RT. The professional voice. In: Cummings CW, Fredrickson JM, Haker LA, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. Vol. 3. St. Louis: Mosby; 1986:2029-56.

  12. Sataloff RT, Spiegel JR, Heuer RJ, et al. Laryngeal mini-microflap: a new technique and reassessment of the microflap saga. J Voice. Jun 1995;9(2):198-204. [Medline].

 
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Indirect laryngoscopy of an intracordal cyst is shown. Note the appearance is similar to that of a nodule or polyp.
Note the translucent outline of the body of the cyst within the mucosal cover of the right true vocal fold. The articulatory surface of the cord is minimally disrupted.
This patient had an essentially normal speaking voice but complained of fatigue and loss of vocal range. Note the translucent quality of the mucosal cover.
 
 
 
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