Vocal Cord Cyst

What are the Symptoms of a Vocal Cord Cyst?

Although the symptoms of vocal cord cyst vary from person to person, it usually manifests itself with hoarseness and bifurcation, vocal fatigue, vocalization difficulty and sudden stinging pain in the throat during speech. Reflux disease increases the severity of vocal cord cyst complaints because it is related to the muscles near the larynx.

What Causes a Vocal Cord Cyst?

The exact cause of vocal cord cysts is not known. It is usually caused by inflammation or tissue blockage at the site. As with nodules or polyps, there are few cases of cysts caused by overuse and misuse of the voice alone. It is most often caused by misuse of the voice during an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) or laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). There are also cases that occur during the development of the baby in the womb and are seen at birth. In addition to these factors, genetic problems, sebaceous glands, hormonal irregularities and problems can also lead to vocal cord cyst formation.

The diagnosis and diagnosis of vocal cord cysts is usually made by endoscopic devices called laryngoscopy or stroboscopy, in which the vocal cords and their surroundings are visualized, or by acoustic analysis, in which the sound extracted is analyzed with the help of a computer. In parallel with this examination, a detailed examination of the vocal cords is performed by an ear-nose-throat doctor. Thus, it is understood whether the complaints are caused by a vocal cord cyst. Because vocal cord nodules, vocal cord cysts and vocal cord polyps show almost identical symptoms and are very similar in appearance.

Treatment of vocal cord cysts is started with non-surgical methods as in all other diseases. Voice rest, steroids that stimulate the development of tissues by increasing protein synthesis in cells, anti-inflammatory anti-inflammatories and drugs used in the treatment of reflux, smoking cessation programs, stress management, voice and speech therapies are used primarily. If these methods do not lead to improvement, surgical intervention is decided. There are also opinions that all methods other than surgical intervention are unsuccessful in the treatment of cysts, that they only provide shrinkage, that they cannot completely eliminate the cyst, and that the definitive solution is only surgical intervention.

What are the Risks of Vocal Cord Cyst Surgery?

Surgery for vocal cord cysts is usually safe and gives a positive result. In rare cases, the mucosal structure on the vocal cords may be damaged. If the cyst is in an area that is difficult to remove or in an area that will damage the natural tissue, the desired result may not be obtained as a complete intervention will be avoided. Hoarseness may occur after the operation, but this is temporary.

The risks of infection, bleeding and anesthesia in all surgical interventions also apply to vocal cord cyst surgeries.

The vast majority of people who have vocal cord cyst surgery recover within 3 months. However, this period can extend up to 1 year.

How is vocal cord cyst surgery performed?

After a vocal cord cyst is diagnosed, a part or all of the cyst is removed using endoscopic methods called Phonomicrosurgery and Microlaryngoscopy. For cysts that are dangerous to remove, it is also possible to drain and clean them with a needle instead of making an incision.

Both the cyst removed by incision and the fluid or fat samples in the cyst drained by needle are definitely subjected to pathological control. As a result of the laboratory examination, it is decided whether the treatment will continue or whether another intervention is required and the next period is planned.

Since misbehavior in the use of the voice is effective in the formation of vocal cord cysts, it is recommended to receive voice therapy at least 1 month after the operation to prevent the cyst from forming again.

If you are experiencing problems such as hoarseness and bifurcation, vocal fatigue, vocal difficulty and sudden stinging pain in the throat during speech, you can contact us using our contact information; you can be treated in our center, which is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vocal cord disorders, uses tools and apparatus equipped with the latest technologies, prioritizes your special demands and needs, and get more detailed information about your disease.