Vocal Pathologies Flashcards
What are the 10 VF pathologies secondary to phonotrauma
- Nodules
- Polyps
- Cysts
- Contact Granuloma
- Reinke’s Edema
- Sulcus Vocalis
- Recurrent Respiratory Papilloma
- VF Scaring
9 & 10. Precancerous abnormal growths: Hyperkeratosis & Leukoplakia
Description of VF nodules
-Small benign growth on VFs mid-membranous portion
-On VF edge
-Bilateral masses
Types of nodules & describe each
- Acute Nodules: soft, pliable, reddish appearance. Mostly vascular and edematous
- Chronic Nodules: Hard, white, thick, and fibrosed. Hypertrophy/rough epithelium. Usually asymmetric in size
Etiology of Nodules
-Trauma related lesion of the lamina propria (damage to BMZ)
-Reaction of tissue to constant stress from frequent, hard oppositional movement of the VFs (Vocal Abuse)
Anatomical VF structure with Nodules
-Bilateral mass
-Located at MidMembranous portion (junction of the anterior third and posterior 2/3s of the VFs)
Development of Nodules
-ONSET: gradual reaction from constant stress on tissue
-COURSE: progressive without vocal rest> acute can improve with rest; fibrosed will not improve with rest
Voice continues to worsen with continued use (deteriorating across the day)
-DURATION: variable, can be 6mo or 5 years (acute heal quickly; fibrotic take longer to heal)
Perceptual signs and symptoms of Nodules
-Hoarseness & breathiness with degree relative to size and firmness
-Decreased projection/loudness
-Vocal fatigue
-Soreness/pain in neck lateral to larynx
-Sensation of something in throat
Acoustic signs associated with Nodules
-Increased jitter and shimmer
-Reduced phonational range (frequency range)
-Reduced dynamic range
-Evidence of noise on spectrum
-Increased s/z ratio (normal s, shortened z due to air leakage)
-Fundamental frequency WNL
Physiological signs seen during laryngoscope of Nodules
-Incomplete closure
-Increased vascularity
-Edema is not uncommon
Physiological stroboscope signs seen in Nodules
-Reduced amplitude at nodule site
-Reduced mucosal wave at nodule site
-Reduced glottal closure
-Symmetry and periodicity WNL
Structural changes seen with Nodules
-Increased mass of VF cover (BMZ thickening)
-Edema & disruption of BMZ
-Increased stiffness with chronic (fibrosed) nodules
-Decreased or unchanged stiffening with acute nodules
-Size of nodules affects the glottal closure
What makes voice better & worse with nodules?
Better voice: vocal rest
Worsening voice: continued use
Patient complaint for nodules?
-People think they are constantly yelling or angry
-Cant produce a soft, confidential voice or whisper
-Have to push harder to get voice out
-Reduced projection
What is the only vocal pathology from phonotrauma that is associated with a patient personality & what is it?
Nodules
Personality: outgoing, social people; talk too much too loud. Often have jobs requiring lots of vocal use
Why are nodules more common in women and young children?
Women due to having less HA in SLLP
Young children due to VF composition is not regular until they reach puberty
Voice stimulability (response to probes) in Nodules
Probes do not change voice quality because this is a structural change
In Nodules, how is the voice during connected speech vs sustained phonation
Same
Treatment of Nodules
-Behavior voice therapy to improve vocal environment
-Voice therapy would focus on voice behaviors reflective of personality & strategies to modify situational factors associated with vocal behaviors; vocal hygiene counseling; respiratory training; carry over strategies
-Patient education
Treatment goal for Nodules
Cure: improvement or resolution of pathology
What is the most common organic cause of dysphonia?
Nodules
Description of Polyps
-Unilateral Protruding mass in SLLP
-Varies in size, shape, and color
-Usually located at front region of VFs and are mid-membranous
4 Types of Polyps & describe each
- Pedunculated: attached to VF by a slim stalk of tissue
- Sessile: closely adhering to mucosa
- Hemorrhagic: blood blisters, increased vascularity
- Dissuse: covers half or 2/3 of the VF length
Etiology of polyps
Result from vocal abuse from single traumatic injury
Anatomical VF structure for Polyps
-Unilateral lesion (asymmetrical lesion)
-Mid-membranous portion of VFs
Development of polyps
-ONSET: sudden (single traumatic vocal abuse event)
-COURSE: persistent, progressively getting worse
-DURATION: lifelong; voice will not return to normal
Perceptual signs and symptoms with Polyps
-Hoarseness
-Breathiness
-Sensation of something in throat
-Short of breath
Acoustic signs of polyp
-Increased spectral noise
-Increased jitter and shimmer
Physiological signs of Polyp seen with laryngoscope
-Large unilateral mass
-Somewhat translucent appearance or blood filled
Physiological signs of Polyp seen with stroboscope
-Asymmetry of VF motion
-Increased aperiodicity
-Decreased vibratory amplitude
-Glottal closure may be affected
-Little to no mucosal way at lesion sight
Structural changes due to Polyp
-Increased mass of VF cover, changing epithelium and BMZ
Increased vascularity
What makes the voice better and worse with Polyps?
Nothing really improves voice
Worsens with vocal use
Patient complaint for Polyp patients
Cannot speak loudly
Breathy voice
Voice stimulability (voice changes with probes) in Polyps
None
Will not improve with probes
Voice during sustained phonation vs connected speech in Polyps
Same for both
Intermittent breaks
Treatment for Polyps
-Behavioral therapy may be beneficial for small polyps
-Surgical intervention (polyps are most responsive to surgery) & post-surgical behavioral therapy
Which vocal pathology is of greater severity between nodules and polyps
Polyps > Nodules
Describe cysts
Small spheres on the margins of the VFs
Types of Cysts
- Retention Cysts (intracordal cysts)- Blockage of glandular duct with retention (buildup) of mucus due to inability to drain
- Epidermoid Cysts- smaller than retention cysts, can empty intermittently, strong similarity to epidermal cysts on skin
- Pseudocysts- appear in same area as polyps or nodules and have a translucent appearance
Etiology of Cysts
Unclear
Thought to result from vocal trauma
May be due to blocked glandular duct causing retention of mucus
Anatomical characteristics of VF Cysts
Smooth surface
Generally whitish color and unilateral
Devenopment of Cysts
-ONSET: congenital or developmental (not as gradual as nodules)
-COURSE: Long time, may grow larger
-DURATION: Long time
Perceptual signs and symptoms associated w cysts
-Hoarseness
-Lowered pitch
-‘Tired’ voice
-Reduced projection/loudness
-Vocal fatigue
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range
Acoustic sign of Cysts
Significantly lowered phonational range