Vocal Fold Cysts: An Analysis of Flexible Fibreoptic Laryngoscopic Findings

Abstract

Vocal fold cysts are benign laryngeal lesions that affect both children and adults. Diagnosis is established using flexible laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy. This retrospective study analysed videos of flexible laryngoscopic findings from 84 cases of vocal fold cysts. Most patients were adults, and almost all cysts were unilateral. The most common site of origin was the medial margin of the vocal folds. Thin-walled and thick-walled cysts occurred with nearly equal frequency. On videostroboscopy, mucosal waves were absent over the cysts in all cases, with hourglass-shaped phonatory gaps being the most common finding. Ventricular band hyperadduction (Type 2 muscle tension dysphonia) was the most frequent compensatory maneuver. Interarytenoid pachydermia was present in approximately 70% of patients, indicating a strong association between vocal fold cysts and laryngopharyngeal reflux.