User:HilAreCee/sandbox

Notes for possible article changes- Vocal cord cyst
- add an epidemiology section to the article

-rework the diagnosis section (change around the order of the information to first introduce how a diagnosis occurs, and then differentiate between the two types of vocal fold cysts (using the terminology introduced in the new section created, so that it is clearer through the whole article)

Re-working of the "Diagnosis" section - Vocal cord cyst
There are generally four components included in a full diagnosis: a medical and voice history, a head and neck exam, a perceptual assessment of the voice and imaging of the vocal folds. A medical and voice history can help distinguish patterns of misuse and phonotrauma to assist in diagnosis. The primary perceptual sign of vocal fold cysts is hoarseness of the voice. Diagnosis through perceptual means alone is difficult, therefore in the fourth component of diagnosis the patient often undergoes an imaging procedure. Imaging is most commonly done with laryngeal videostroboscopy. A videostrobosopy is an examination of the vocal folds that using flashes of light to slow down the image of the vocal fold movement enough to provide a sharp picture of the phases of the movement cycle (mucosal wave.) This procedure provides information about vocal fold vibrations during speech, vocal intensity and vocal frequency. Imaging shows the reduced movement of the vocal folds (mucosal wave) when a vocal fold cyst is present. More recently, other technologies have been introduced to assist with obtaining imaging of the vocal folds, including the use of Narrow-band imaging (NBI.) Narrow-band imaging involves the use of blue and yellow lights to improve the picture quality of an image and accentuate blood vessel visibility, and has been found to help improve visual identification of vocal fold cysts in some cases.

Vocal fold cysts can be differentiated from other vocal fold growths as they are usually unilateral. The two types of vocal fold cysts (sub-epithelial and ligament cysts) can be differentiated by colour, size and location. (See section on Types of vocal fold cysts for more information.)

Patients with vocal fold cysts are considered for surgery when presenting with:


 * Dysphonia
 * Lack of improvement through voice therapy

Epidemiology section for vocal cord cyst page
Congenital cysts of the vocal folds tend to be infrequent, although research suggests that some cases of congenital cysts may not be identified at birth unless they interfere noticeably with voice quality or breathing.