Vocal fold cyst
Encyclopedia
Vocal fold cysts are collections of fluid in sac-like formations on the vocal folds
.
Cysts can deteriorate the quality of human speech
production, causing diplophonia, a condition where the vocal cords produce multiple tones at the same time, or dysphonia
, an impaired quality of voice typically involving hoarseness or a breathy sound. Females are more likely than males to develop vocal fold cysts and the menstrual cycle
may alter the size of the cyst. The cysts usually appear on one side of the vocal fold but may cause swelling on the opposite side due to irritation.
There are two types of vocal fold cysts: mucus retention and epithermoid.
Initial treatment of the cysts involves vocal training and speech therapy along with medical interventions to decrease irritation of the cyst. In many cases, these will alleviate problems from the cyst. In some cases, the cyst grows larger necessitating surgery to remove the cyst. Vocal professionals may also require surgery as the minimal steps do not improve the voice quality enough to allow continued performance with the voice.
Vocal folds
The vocal folds, also known commonly as vocal cords, are composed of twin infoldings of mucous membrane stretched horizontally across the larynx...
.
Cysts can deteriorate the quality of human speech
Manner of articulation
In linguistics, manner of articulation describes how the tongue, lips, jaw, and other speech organs are involved in making a sound. Often the concept is only used for the production of consonants, even though the movement of the articulars will also greatly alter the resonant properties of the...
production, causing diplophonia, a condition where the vocal cords produce multiple tones at the same time, or dysphonia
Dysphonia
Dysphonia is the medical term for disorders of the voice: an impairment in the ability to produce voice sounds using the vocal organs . Thus, dysphonia is a phonation disorder...
, an impaired quality of voice typically involving hoarseness or a breathy sound. Females are more likely than males to develop vocal fold cysts and the menstrual cycle
Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is the scientific term for the physiological changes that can occur in fertile women for the purpose of sexual reproduction. This article focuses on the human menstrual cycle....
may alter the size of the cyst. The cysts usually appear on one side of the vocal fold but may cause swelling on the opposite side due to irritation.
There are two types of vocal fold cysts: mucus retention and epithermoid.
- Mucus retention cysts occur when a glandGlandA gland is an organ in an animal's body that synthesizes a substance for release of substances such as hormones or breast milk, often into the bloodstream or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface .- Types :...
ular duct becomes blocked and is unable to secrete. This can occur after an upper respiratory infectionCommon coldThe common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, caused primarily by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Common symptoms include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, and fever...
combined with vocal overuse. - Epidermoid cysts result from either developmental problems before birth or from an injury to the mucous membraneMucous membraneThe mucous membranes are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, which are involved in absorption and secretion. They line cavities that are exposed to the external environment and internal organs...
. A ruptured cyst may result in a scar.
Initial treatment of the cysts involves vocal training and speech therapy along with medical interventions to decrease irritation of the cyst. In many cases, these will alleviate problems from the cyst. In some cases, the cyst grows larger necessitating surgery to remove the cyst. Vocal professionals may also require surgery as the minimal steps do not improve the voice quality enough to allow continued performance with the voice.