User:Kirs29/sandbox

Laryngectomy Article Evaluation

-Citations missing throughout first paragraph, and airway and ventilation section-all from same source?

-Quality of life section slightly biased, not mentioning downside to constantly changing larynx out

-Dysphagia underrepresented?

Vocal Fold Cyst Article Contributions :

Source Bibliography

Subepithelial vs Ligament cysts

Symptoms, Diagnoses and Treatment Vocal fold cysts are benign masses of the membranous vocal folds. These cysts are enclosed, sac-like structures that are typically of a yellow or white colour. They usually form unilaterally on the midpoint of the medial edge of the vocal folds. They can form on the upper/superior, surface of the vocal folds as well. There are two types of vocal fold cysts:


 * 1) Sub-epithelial vocal fold cysts- located in the superficial lamina propria of the vocal folds.
 * 2) Ligament vocal fold cysts- located within the deeper layers of the lamina propria or on the vocal ligament.

The symptoms of vocal fold cysts vary but most commonly include a hoarse voice and problems with the pitch of the voice. Vocal fold cysts are diagnosed based on a physical examination and perceptual examination. Practicing good vocal hygiene is recommended to prevent vocal fold cysts. Initial treatment of the cysts involves voice therapy to reduce harmful vocal behaviours. After voice therapy symptoms often remain, and patients may require surgery to remove the cyst. Surgery is typically followed by vocal rest and further voice therapy to improve voice function. Cysts may also be treated using vocal fold steroid injection.

Types of Vocal Fold Cysts

Sub-epithelial cysts (also known as mucous retention cysts) are closed lesions that occur from a build-up of tissue on the vocal folds. They are typically found in the middle portion of the upper lamina propria of the vocal folds. Sub-epithelial cysts are small and white in colour. Their presence on the vocal folds usually does not disrupt the vibration of the vocal folds for speech (known as the "mucosal wave").

Ligament cysts (also known as epidermoid cysts) are closed lesions that occur near the vocal ligament in the deep layers of the lamina propria. Ligament cysts are usually larger in size than sub-epithelial cysts. They are yellow in colour and unlike sub-epithelial cysts, their presence usually does disrupt the mucosal wave of the vocal folds in the region around the cyst.