Vocal Fold Nodules and Cysts

Vocal fold nodules, vocal fold cysts and Reinke's edema are different benign disorders that can cause hoarseness or other voice problems.

Vocal fold nodules

Vocal fold nodules typically occur as a result of voice misuse or voice overuse. They are sometimes called "singer's nodules" or "screamer's nodules." 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). Generally, 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 the 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. 

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, leaving as little scarring as possible. 

The image to the right shows a vocal fold cysts in a soprano who had significant hoarseness. This picture was taken with a stroboscopic light source through a flexible fiberoptic scope. The vocal folds are therefore "frozen" in time at the point of closure. Note that the folds cannot close completely due to the cyst. This cyst was removed surgically and the voice returned to normal.

This image shows a close up view of a larger cyst in a different individual. This photograph was taken at the time of surgery for removal of the cyst. Notice that the left vocal fold is slightly thickened immediately opposite the cyst. This thickening has developed in response to the cyst, and should resolve spontaneously after removal of the cyst.‌

The image to the the right shows bilateral cysts on vocal folds that may have developed at the site of previous nodules. The cyst on the right is more solid in appearance but did contain fluid. The cyst on the left has a little dark red dot showing where there has been bleeding into the cyst.

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 structures. 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.

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 typical in heavy smokers and can produce a low-pitched voice. It is not premalignant, 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.

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 right 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. 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.

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.