Voice Disorders and Rehabilitation - Vocabulary

Allergies

Allergies produce mucosal changes due to abnormal histamine release on exposure to a trigger. This may result in laryngeal edema, inflammation and increased secretion production. Vocal quality may range from hoarseness to aphonia to changes in resonance. (Titze & Verdolini, 2012)

Granuloma

Vocal fold granulomas are non-cancerous growths on the vocal folds. comprised of cells and substances often found in sites of inflammation (inflammatory tissue) and reflect a response to irritation or injury. The granulomas are usually found near the back portion of the vocal folds over the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilages at the site of contact during vocal fold closure. They can be bilateral or unilateral in nature. They often appear pale or sometimes red.

Granuloma
https://voicefoundation.org/health-science/voice-disorders/voice-disorders/vocal-fold-granuloma/

Laryngitis Bacterial or Viral

During the healing process from a viral or bacterial infection of the vocal folds, the vocal folds become swollen secondary to the body’s response to the infection (increased blood flow, etc.). The vocal folds become swollen, hindering vibration. The phonation threshold pressure becomes so high that it’s difficult to produce sound. The voice changes can range from mild hoarseness to aphonia and laryngeal dryness. In compensation for vocal fold changes, laryngeal hyperfunction may occur during attempts at phonation.

Muscle Tension Dysphonia

A disorder that is functional in nature; dysphonia results from atypical contraction of muscles during phonation. It can be primary or secondary, depending on a number of factors.

Vocal Fold Cyst

A unilateral, fluid-filled saccule

Vocal Fold Hemorrhage

An acute rupturing of blood vessels into the low resistance tissue of the lamina propria

Vocal Fold Nodules

Bilateral lesions caused by excessive, localized collision of the vocal folds

Vocal Fold Polyp

A unilateral, fluid-filled mass that is caused by excessive mechanical stress