Laryngeal ventricular cysts, although rare in adults, are benign lesions originating from laryngeal saccule that can be confused with other more common laryngeal anomalies. [1] It has a tendency to progressively enlarge and if left undiagnosed, it can cause life-threatening acute airway obstruction.
What causes a laryngeal cyst?
There are three types of laryngeal cysts, namely, mucous, hemorrhagic and congenital. Mucous cysts are caused by inflammatory obstruction of the ductal portion of a mucous gland. They are encountered most frequently in the vicinity of the epiglottis, where the mucous membrane contains abundant mucous glands.
What are the three most common anatomic malformations of the laryngeal structures?
The most common cause of laryngeal stridor at birth and within the first weeks of life is laryngomalacia (approximately 60%) [4]. The other common congenital laryngeal anomalies that cause stridor are subglottic laryngeal stenosis, saccular cysts, and bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
Is laryngomalacia a congenital anomaly?
Laryngomalacia, which is characterized by soft laryngeal cartilage, particularly in the epiglottis, is the most common congenital anomaly of the larynx, accounting for 60% of all cases.
Can vocal cord cysts be cancerous?
Vocal cord lesions are benign (non-cancerous) growths that may include nodules, polyps and cysts. Vocal trauma or overuse is associated with these lesions.
What is laryngeal cyst?
Laryngeal cysts are cysts involving the larynx or more frequently supraglottic locations, such as epiglottis and vallecula. Usually they do not extend to the thyroid cartilage. They may be present congenitally or may develop eventually due to degenerative cause. They often interfere with phonation.
How serious is laryngomalacia?
In most cases, laryngomalacia in infants is not a serious condition — they have noisy breathing, but are able to eat and grow. For these infants, laryngomalacia will resolve without surgery by the time they are 18 to 20 months old.
