Utility of voice therapy in the management of vocal fold polyps and cysts.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of voice therapy in the management of vocal fold polyps and cysts.


METHODS
Retrospective review of vocal fold cysts and polyps undergoing voice therapy in a tertiary care center. Symptom resolution or persistence resulting in surgical intervention was the main outcome measure.


RESULTS
Fifty-seven patients were identified, of which 49.1% achieved symptom resolution with voice therapy alone. Patients with complete glottal closure and muscle tension dysphonia did not have a better response than those with incomplete glottal closure and without muscle tension dysphonia (P = 0.1, chi(2), respectively). Patients with translucent polyps more commonly responded to voice therapy than fibrotic, hyaline, or hemorrhagic polyps, 81.8% versus 15.4% and 25.0% response rate, respectively (P = 0.002, chi(2)).


CONCLUSIONS
Voice therapy is an effective treatment modality for vocal fold polyps and cysts.


CONCLUSIONS
A multidisciplinary approach including a trial of voice therapy is warranted.
Cohen
Seth M
SM
Duke Voice Care Center, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. seth.cohen@duke.edu
Garrett
C Gaelyn
CG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011127:Polyps / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013070:Speech Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014834:Voice Training