Our Summary

This study looked at the relationship between a groove in the vocal cord (sulcus vocalis or SV) that can impact voice quality and benign (non-cancerous) vocal cord lesions. The researchers studied patients who had surgery for benign vocal cord issues, splitting them into two groups: those with sulcus vocalis (SV) and those without.

The study found that sulcus vocalis was more common in younger patients, suggesting it might be something people are born with, rather than something that develops over time. They also found a significant relationship between age and the presence of SV, as well as between mild dysplasia (abnormal cell growth) and SV. However, they didn’t find a direct cause-and-effect relationship between SV and benign vocal cord lesions.

The takeaway is that if a patient has a benign vocal cord lesion, doctors should also look for the presence of SV to provide the best possible care.

FAQs

  1. What is sulcus vocalis (SV) and how does it impact voice quality?
  2. What is the relationship between sulcus vocalis and benign vocal cord lesions?
  3. Should doctors always check for the presence of SV when a patient has a benign vocal cord lesion?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include resting the voice, avoiding yelling or whispering, staying hydrated, and attending any recommended speech therapy sessions. It is important to give the vocal cords time to heal properly in order to achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with benign vocal cord lesions, such as polyps, nodules, cysts, or tumors, that are impacting their voice quality or causing other symptoms. Additionally, patients with sulcus vocalis, which is a groove in the vocal cord that can affect voice production, may also be recommended for surgery if it is impacting their voice quality. Younger patients with sulcus vocalis or mild dysplasia may be particularly good candidates for surgery to address these issues and improve their voice quality.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient experiences voice changes, such as hoarseness, breathiness, or difficulty speaking.
  2. Patient undergoes a consultation with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who may recommend further evaluation, such as a laryngoscopy, to determine the cause of the vocal cord issues.
  3. If a benign vocal cord lesion is detected, the doctor may recommend vocal therapy or other non-surgical treatments first.
  4. If non-surgical treatments are not effective, the doctor may recommend vocal cord surgery as a last resort.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery to remove or treat the benign vocal cord lesion.
  2. Patient may experience post-operative throat pain, hoarseness, or difficulty speaking immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative follow-up appointments to monitor healing and voice quality.
  4. Patient may be referred to a speech therapist for vocal rehabilitation to improve voice quality and prevent future vocal cord issues.
  5. Patient may experience gradual improvement in voice quality over time as the vocal cords heal and adjust post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending vocal cord surgery in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. Will vocal cord surgery improve my voice quality and overall vocal function?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  6. How many vocal cord surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need speech therapy or voice rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and potential recurrence of vocal cord issues?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or vocal habits I should consider to maintain vocal health after the surgery?
  10. Will the presence of sulcus vocalis or other factors impact the surgical approach or outcomes in my case?

Reference

Authors: Saraniti C, Patti G, Verro B. Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Apr 26;20(9):5654. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20095654. PMID: 37174173