Structural pathologies and vascular lesions Flashcards
What are the 4 classifications of voice pathologies?
- Structural
- Vascular
- Neurological
- Functional
What are structural pathologies of the vocal folds?
- Change in structure of the mucosa of the VFs
- Knowing what layer the pathology affects can give an idea of sound produced
- Nodules, polyps, cysts, laryngitis, contact ulcers/granuloma, papilloma, sulcus vocalis, carcinoma
What are nodules? (What, who, why, where)
INFLAMMATORY DEGENERATION OF SLLP, FIBROSIS AND OEDEMA
- One of the most common benign VF pathologies
- Results from phonotrauma (excessive use, people with heavy vocal load)
- Can occur at any age
- More common in children and females (shorter VFs, more vibration, less HA in F)
- May be minimally symptomatic
- Typically form bilaterally at anterior/middle 2/3 of VF
- Areas of high vibratory impact and stress
- Vary in size: pinhead to pea
What are the 3 types of nodules?
- Acute
- Due to traumatic/hyperfunctional use
- Appear gelatinous from oedema in Reinke’s space while epithelium remains normal - Chronic
- Appear firm, callous-like
- Fixed to underlying mass of mucosa due to increased fibrosis, thickened epithelium - Reactive nodular change
- People with polyp, cyst, other mass lesions
- Creates contralateral reaction on other VF
What are the perceptual signs of nodules?
- Subtle changes in early stage
- Mechanical effect on VF depends on size
- Roughness
- Breathiness
- Fatigue
- Singers: loss of vocal range
What are the physiological signs of nodules?
- Increased glottal flow
- Increased respiratory effort
- Increased demands on VF due to laryngeal hyperfunction and asymmetric VF vibration
What are the acoustic signs of nodules?
- May present as normal
- Increased frequency and amplitude perturbation (jitter, shimmer), cycle-to-cycle variation in freq and amp, random changes
- Reduced phonation range
- Increased s/z ratio
What are the visual signs of nodules?
- Increased mass/thickness of VF cover
- Hourglass closure pattern or posterior chink
- Incomplete closure around site of nodules
- Reduced mucosal wave at site
Management of nodules
- Behavioural modification
- Voice therapy
- Surgery not typical
What are polyps?
FLUID-FILLED WITH OWN BLOOD SUPPLY
- Caused by phonotrauma, often one incidence of vocal abuse
- Sudden onset and size increase
- Often unilateral, can produce reactive nodule
- Originate in SLLP
- Typically form in middle 1/3
- Can be subglottic but normally on superior region
What are the 3 types of polyps?
- Sessile - blister-like
- Pedunculated - attached to stalk
- Haemorrhagic
What are the perceptual signs of polyps?
- Similar to nodules
- Depends on size and site, interfere with closure
- Roughness
- Breathiness
- Diplophonia
- Globus sensation
What are the physiological signs of polyps?
- Increased airflow
- Increased subglottal pressure
- Decreased closing times of VF
What are the acoustic signs of polyps?
- Similar to nodules
- Perturbations
- May present as normal
- Increased frequency and amplitude perturbation (jitter, shimmer), cycle-to-cycle variation in freq and amp, random changes
- Reduced phonation range
- Increased s/z ratio
What are the visual signs of polyps?
- Appear translucent, can be red
- Asymmetrical closure
- Increased aperiodicity
- Increased mass
Management of polyps
- Behavioural therapy
- Voice therapy
- Vocal hygeine
- Surgery
- 7% see an ENT
What are cysts?
BENIGN MUCOUS FLUID LESION SURROUNDED BY A MEMBRANE
- Caused by phonotrauma or glandular blockage
- Near VF surface
- Predominantly unilateral
- Can co-occur with nodules
- Slight yellow colour due to mucous buildup, doesn’t drain spontaneously
- Can rarely present congenitally
What are the 2 types of cysts?
- Epidermoid: like cysts on skin
- Retention: glandular blockage
What is the difference between polyps and cysts?
Polyp = blister-like bump from traumatic event
Cyst = Fluid-filled sac from repetitive trauma or clogging in VF mucous glands
Cysts often mistaken for polyps
What are the perceptual features of cysts?
- Roughness
- Lowered pitch
- Throat clearing due to globus sensation, depends on size
What are the physiological features of cysts?
- Higher than average airflow
- Slower closing phase
What are the acoustic signs of cysts?
- Lowered f0
What are the visual signs of cysts?
- Hard to identify
- Sometimes highlighted by a persistent light reflection from slightly raised area
- Absence of mucosal wave at site
- Aperiodicity and lack of closure