Dos
- Do have a persistent one-sided voice change assessed with video stroboscopy
Vocal Cord Cysts
Consultant-led diagnosis and treatment for vocal cord cysts, fluid- or mucus-filled growths within the vocal cord.
What is the condition?
A vocal cord cyst is a closed sac, usually filled with fluid or mucus, that forms within the layers of the vocal cord. Unlike nodules, cysts are typically one-sided and do not resolve with voice rest alone, as they sit deeper within the tissue.
Symptoms
What to look out for?
Cysts usually cause a persistent change in voice quality that does not improve with rest.
- Persistent hoarseness or roughness
- A breathy voice quality
- Reduced pitch range when singing
Treatment
What can be done?
Voice therapy can help manage symptoms and protect the voice, but cysts that significantly affect voice quality usually require microlaryngoscopy to remove them surgically.
- Voice therapy for symptom management
- Microlaryngoscopy to remove the cyst
Prevention
What should I do?
Don'ts
- Don't expect voice rest alone to resolve a true vocal cord cyst