A vocal cyst is a sac like lesion that forms just beneath the surface of the vocal folds. Two types of vocal cysts exist; mucous retention cysts and epidermoid cysts. Mucous retention cysts result from obstruction of mucous producing glands. They may arise spontaneously or from poor vocal hygiene. Epidermoid cysts contain epithelium which is a skin like tissue that exists on the outermost layer of the vocal folds. These cysts develop secondary to vocal fold trauma or poor wound healing whereby epithelium gets trapped under the vocal fold surface.
Cysts tend to grow on only one of vocal fold, though they can appear on both folds. Where they grow, they create a very stiff segment along the edge of the vocal fold. This prevents vocal fold vibration at the site of the cyst. The extra weight and bulge created by the mass further impedes vocal fold vibration and the ability of the vocal folds to meet together during voicing. Overtime, the bulge can cause irritation and swelling to the opposite vocal fold and a reactive lesion can develop leading to even greater voicing difficulties.
Treatment
Treatment of a cyst typically involves a combination of surgery and voice therapy. A voice therapy trial might be advised (especially for small cysts) before an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon performs surgery. Post-operative voice therapy is recommended to assist vocal recovery after surgery.
For more information on voice therapy please visit our voice therapy page. If you are looking for voice therapy treatment of a vocal cyst please contact us to book an appointment with our Speech Pathologist.
