Utility of Voice Therapy in the Management of Vocal Fold Polyps and Cysts

TLDR

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of voice therapy for treating vocal fold polyps and cysts. The authors retrospectively reviewed patients with vocal fold polyps or cysts who received voice therapy at a tertiary center, using symptom resolution versus need for surgery as the primary outcome. Among 57 patients, 49.1% achieved symptom resolution with voice therapy alone, with translucent polyps responding best (81.8%) compared to fibrotic, hyaline, or hemorrhagic polyps, supporting voice therapy as an effective treatment.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of voice therapy in the management of vocal fold polyps and cysts. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING 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, χ 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, χ 2 ). CONCLUSIONS Voice therapy is an effective treatment modality for vocal fold polyps and cysts. SIGNIFICANCE A multidisciplinary approach including a trial of voice therapy is warranted.