Vocal cord cysts are benign (non-cancerous) fluid-filled lesions. They may be present from birth or may form later. It is often observed unilaterally, but can rarely be found on both vocal cords. They occupy space under the vocal cord mucosa, disrupt the closure of the vocal cord and prevent it from vibrating in a healthy way.
What are the Symptoms of a Vocal Cord Cyst?
Complaints vary according to the size of the cyst. These patients usually have a breathy and diphthongized speaking voice. Sometimes severe hoarseness may also be observed.
How is a vocal cord cyst treated?
Since these cysts do not respond to voice therapy, permanent treatment is only possible with surgery. This surgery is performed through the mouth as a standard vocal cord surgery with the help of a microscope. Sometimes short-term voice therapy may be recommended before treatment to reduce vocal cord inflammation and bad vocal habits, but mainly the role of voice therapy in the treatment of patients with vocal cord cysts is mainly to help recovery after surgery.
Vocal cord cysts almost always respond well to surgery and are largely cured. Especially in patients who complete voice therapies and follow the recommendations during the recovery period after surgery, this recovery is expected to be close to complete. In the absence of surgery, the disease does not heal on its own. Sometimes the voice may permanently deteriorate as a result of the cyst bursting during voice use. Although this possibility is not very high, treatment should be planned as soon as the diagnosis is made, as it will be much more difficult to recover if this happens.