Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare condition where small blood vessel tumors, called hemangiomas, grow on the edge of the vocal cord. The paper reports five cases that were diagnosed at the authors’ voice clinic over an 18-month period. All the patients had symptoms of a hoarse voice and examination showed a pink growth on the vocal cord, which was confirmed to be a hemangioma.

The researchers performed a specialized laser surgery to remove the growth and there were no complications or recurrences of the tumors. They suggest that this laser surgery technique is a good treatment option for this condition as it doesn’t cause severe bleeding during surgery.

FAQs

  1. What symptoms did the patients with laryngeal hemangiomas present?
  2. What was the treatment used for laryngeal hemangiomas in this study?
  3. Was there any recurrence of laryngeal hemangiomas after the CO2 laser microscopic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including voice rest and avoiding straining the vocal cords. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure proper recovery. Additionally, the patient should communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with laryngeal hemangiomas, especially those isolated to the free-edge of the vocal cord, causing symptoms such as hoarseness. In cases where conservative treatments have not been effective, direct laryngoscopy with laryngeal carbon dioxide (CO2) laser microscopic surgery may be recommended as a treatment option. This surgical approach has been shown to be effective in treating vocal fold hemangiomas with minimal risk of intraoperative bleeding and recurrence.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  • Patient experiences hoarseness and seeks medical attention
  • Laryngoscopy examination detects a pink mass at the vocal edge
  • Histopathology confirms the presence of a hemangioma
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and consultations
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient receives instructions for pre-surgical preparation

After vocal cord surgery:

  • Patient undergoes direct laryngoscopy with laryngeal carbon dioxide (CO2) laser microscopic surgery
  • Surgery is performed uneventfully
  • Patient is monitored closely for any post-operative complications
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to assess healing and monitor for recurrence
  • Patient may undergo voice therapy or rehabilitation to optimize vocal function
  • Patient experiences improvement in hoarseness and vocal quality
  • Patient ultimately achieves a successful outcome with no recurrence of the hemangioma

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific type of vocal cord surgery that will be performed?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery for treating vocal cord hemangiomas?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care required?
  5. Will there be any impact on my voice or vocal function following the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for vocal cord hemangiomas?
  7. How many similar surgeries have you performed in the past and what is your experience with this procedure?
  8. Will I need to follow up with a speech therapist or vocal coach after the surgery?
  9. How can I best prepare for the surgery in terms of lifestyle changes or medications?
  10. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and potential recurrence of the hemangioma after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Laohakittikul C, Srirompotong S. Journal: J Voice. 2023 May;37(3):471.e1-471.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.01.022. Epub 2021 Mar 6. PMID: 33750625