Vocal Cord Cysts and Polyps What are vocal cord cysts and polyps?
Vocal cord cysts and polyps also referred as vocal fold lesions are noncancerous, benign (localised) abnormal growth on the vocal cord. Vocal cord lesions are primarily divided into three types: nodules, polyps and cysts. They are particularly common among people using voice as part of their profession for instance hawkers, singers etc. Pulp polyp and cysts may attribute to voice disorders. What causes vocal cord cysts and polyps? Although vocal cysts and polyps remains an idiopathic (cause unknown) disease, some evidences have linked the cause with the vocal abuse. A heavy traumatic use of the vocal cord, like shouting or yelling, speaking loudly, and coaching, high pitch voice may lead to this clinical condition. Other factors involved are certain kind of allergies, alcoholism, smoking, muscle tension, cafeine intake etc. What are the symptoms or manifestations of vocal cysts and polyps? The symptoms of vocal cysts and polyps include loss of voice pitch, hoarseness, breaking of voice, frequent throat clearing, delay in voice initiation, raspy voice and fatigue of the voice. Vocal cord polyps A vocal cord polyp is commonly found on one vocal cord (unilateral), but it may develop on both cords. They often resemble blisters and have a characteristic red colour due to surface dominated by blood vessels. They frequently result from an initiating acute phonatory injury. Their efects on the voice are wideranging, depending on the type of polyp. Most polyps must be surgically