Vocal Fold Nodules, Cysts, and Reinke's Edema
Vocal fold nodules, vocal fold cysts, and Reinke's edema are different benign disorders that can cause hoarseness or other voice problems.
Laryngeal anatomy and the function of the vocal folds are discussed at other sites.
Vocal Fold Nodules
Vocal nodules typically occur as a result of voice misuse or voice overuse. They are sometimes called "singer's nodules" or "screamer's nodules" (perhaps depending on the quality of the individual's voice!!). They most often are bilateral and occur at the junction of the anterior one-third and the posterior two-thirds of the vocal folds. This is the mid-portion of the membranous vocal folds (the posterior portion of the vocal fold is made of more rigid cartilage), and it is generally felt that this part of the vocal fold receives the most contact injury during speech.
The actual injury that occurs there represents a continuum of changes. Initially, the vocal folds become swollen (the medical term for swelling is "edema"). With continued misuse, the edema increases and the nodules enlarge and harden. Over time they can become quite hard and fibrotic, similar to a callous.
The nodules are located in the very superficial layer of the vocal fold. They interfere with the mucosal wave and can cause hoarseness. Occasionally only a certain pitch range will be affected.
Treatment of vocal fold nodules is initially voice therapy. The goal is to minimize those types of voice use that traumatize the folds. In most cases the nodules will respond well to therapy alone (especially if they are diagnosed at an early stage.
If the nodules persist despite therapy, they may need to be removed surgically. This is done through the mouth using a microscope under high magnification and special microlaryngeal instruments.
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The picture to the left shows typical vocal fold nodules. (Anterior is to the top, and posterior is the back. Note that they are present on both vocal folds and in this case are actually quite symmetric. The are located about one-third of the way back on the vocal folds. |
Vocal Fold Cysts
Vocal fold cysts are benign lesions as well. but unlike nodules they often are not associated with voice misuse or voice overuse. A cyst is simply a fluid collection in a sac-like structure. The vocal folds are lined with many small glands that secrete mucous. This mucous helps the folds vibrate more easily. Occasionally one of these glands will not drain properly and fluid will accumulate. This accumulation of mucous produces vocal fold cysts.
Vocal fold cysts differ from nodules in that they often occur only on one fold and are not in the same classic location as vocal fold nodules. They also seldom respond to voice therapy and therefore more frequently need to be surgically removed. The surgery is done with microlaryngeal instruments, with the goal of preserving the normal structure and function of the vocal fold as much as possible. In particular, the thin covering of the vocal fold should be preserved and there should be as little scarring as possible.
Reinke's Edema
A third common type of vocal fold abnormality is called Reinke's edema. As mentioned in the section on anatomy, immediately under the thin cover of the vocal fold is a three layered structure called the lamina propria. The most superficial layer of the lamina propria is called Reinke's space and consists of a very loose material that allows the cover of the fold to vibrate over the more rigid deeper strucutres. However, it is also possible for fluid to accumulate in this region. This fluid can occur in response to chronic inflammation. Fluid collection in the body is called edema, so this fluid build-up is called Reinke's edema.
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The photo to the left shows example of Reinke's edema. (The front of the vocal folds is at the top of the photo.) This disorder is quite typical in heavy smokers, and can produce a low pitched voice. It is not premaligant, though smokers certainly are at risk for developing laryngeal cancer (as well as heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer, and a variety of other problems.) As the edema becomes more gelatinous, it may eventually turn into actual vocal fold polyps.
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Reinke's edema can be treated surgically by making an incision in the lateral portion of the vocal folds and carefully removing the thick gelatinous fluid in Reinke's space. If there is a lot of excess mucosa (the covering of the vocal fold), this excess mucosa can be trimmed. The photo to the left shows a post-operative view of the folds of the above patient immediately after evacuation of the edema. The goal in this surgery is to preserve the healthy lower layers of the vocal folds and to avoid excessive removal of vocal fold mucosa. |
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This view shows the same patient in the office about three weeks later. This photo was taken through a flexible fiberoptic scope with a different light source, so the colors are slightly different. The folds had already started to vibrate fairly well and the voice was significantly improved. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for all the swelling from the surgery to resolve. |
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