Vocal cord polyps, nodules, and cysts
​These lesions are commonly seen along the midportion of the membranous vocal cord. These lesions typically develop due to phonotrauma along the free edge of the vocal fold. They are often seen in singers, performers or other voice professionals with high vocal demands. 
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• Vocal cord polyp: These are non-cancerous lesions of the vocal fold, which are usually related to vocal fold injury. They occur from injury during singing or speaking (phonotrauma). Polyps are often gelatinous, but if they small vessels inside the polyp rupture they become hemorrhagic polyps.
• Vocal cord nodules: They are very common among children and adults. They can often be seen in people who abuse their voice. They are typically seen on both sides. ​
• Vocal cord cyst: They are congential or acquired fluid-filled lesions. They are typically deeper than nodules or polyps.

 

Who gets these lesions?
Vocal cord polyps, nodules, and cysts are often seen in people with high vocal demands or people who abuse their voice.  For example teachers, singers and lawyers are at risk to develop these lesions.  


What are common symptoms?
​There is typically a voice change associated with these lesions. Patients are hoarse and complain about a decrease in their pitch range in particular, the upper range is often affected.  Patients may complain about an “unpredictable voice”, a vocal strain, sometimes neck pain or early vocal fatigue.


Treatment
Depending on the severity of the patient’s complaints and their ability to meet their vocal demands, but also depending on the exam findings management of these lesions include voice therapy and/ or surgical removal of the lesions. Surgical removal of vocal cord lesions is done through the most using a microscope. Surgeons need to have a special skill set to remove these lesion without causing permanent hoarseness. 
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Blood-blister (hemorrhagic vocal cord polyp

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Vocal cord nodules in a singer. These interfere with complete closure resulting a raspy voice and loss of the the upper singing range. 

Dr. Weidenbecher is an expert in vocal cord microsurgery​ and he will discuss all therapy options with patients.

Dr. Weidenbecher, who has trained under the famous Dr. Steven Zeitels at Harvard University in Boston, has treatet many vocal performers and professional singers.  

​Dr. Weidenbecher understands the needs of a vocal performer. Treatment will be tailored individually to each patient and may include voice therapy or surgical removal. 

Dr Steven Zeitels operates on Adele

Dr. Weidenbecher removes vocal cord nodules on a professional singer: