Vocal Cord Cyst

WHAT ARE VOCAL CORD CYSTS?

Very simply, a cyst is a fluid-filled sac. The vocal cords have a few small glands in them that help make the mucus designed to keep them lubricated. These glands have a small opening to let the fluid out. If the opening becomes clogged, the fluid can continue to collect and expand until a cyst forms. Cysts can also form after trauma to the vocal cords. Trauma can happen when we cough, sneeze, or use our voice for long periods of time without rest.

A vocal cord cyst is different from vocal nodules and vocal polyps.. Nodules tend to be on both vocal cords, side by side. A polyp is more likely to only be on one side, but on the inside edge of the vocal cord. A cyst is different in that it is often away from the edge and embedded deeper in the vocal cord. This is important because removing a cyst requires a bit more work to try to get all the way around it and remove it in its entirety.

Intrafold Cyst

  • What are symptoms of vocal cord costs?

    Like nodules and polyps, cysts in the vocal cords tend to affect the voice and make people hoarse.

  • Who gets vocal cord cysts?

    Anyone can develop a cyst.

  • How are they diagnosed?

    Stroboscopy and laryngoscopy is the preferred tool to diagnosis a vocal cyst in the office.

  • What causes vocal cord cysts?

    Typically, cysts form from glands that secrete mucus. If the opening closes and the glands keep making mucus, a cyst can form.

  • How are vocal cord cysts treated?

    Surgery is the primary treatment and the goal is to remove the entire cyst.

  • What are the risks if they’re not treated?

    The voice will likely remain hoarse. Sometimes, the cysts break open on their own and deflate.

  • What is the prognosis/outlook?

    Overall, it is good. The cysts do sometimes come back, but they can be removed surgically and the voice can be restored.

  • What about recovery for a performer?

    The singer’s recovery from removal of a vocal cyst tends to take a little longer than for polyps. We still do everything we can to help ease you back into using your voice. A key part of recovery is to have you work with a Speech Pathologist who specializes in voice rehabilitation. This is done by Jan Potter Reed, MS, CCC-SLP; and after surgery, our team continues to assist you in achieving the best possible voice we can.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT

If you have hoarseness or think you may have vocal chord cyst, please schedule an appointment through the link below or call us at
(312) 996-9583 to see our laryngologist Dr. H. Steven Sims. We accept all forms of health insurance.