Laryngeal cyst
Updates to Article Attributes
Laryngeal cysts can occur in any part of the larynx, but are more frequent in supraglottic locations, such as the epiglottis and vallecula. The prevalence of each location varies on different studies.
Epidemiology
The laryngeal cysts represent a rare group, about 5%, of benign laryngeal lesions 1. There is no gender predilection 3.
Clinical presentation
Normally they are examination findings in patients with non-specific symptoms or who are asymptomatic. Patients can have laryngeal stridor or dyspnoea 2.
The lesions can cause significant respiratory obstruction, and even death, if not properly treated.
Radiographic features
CT
Well-defined, fluid-attenuation, non-enhancing rounded lesion.
MRI
Well-defined, fluid signal intensity, non-enhancing rounded lesion.
Treatment and prognosis
Different forms of treatment have been described for laryngeal cysts, such as aspiration, marsupialisation with laser ablation and complete excision. Recurrence is directly related to the maintenance of remnants of the cyst wall 2.
Differential diagnosis
General imaging differential considerations include:
- laryngocele
- branchial cleft cyst
- laryngeal oncocytic papillary cystadenoma
- suprahyoid thyroglossal duct cyst at the base of tongue or within posterior floor of mouth
-<p><strong>Laryngeal cysts</strong> can occur in any part of the larynx, but are more frequent in supraglottic locations, such as the epiglottis and vallecula. The prevalence of each location varies on different studies. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>The laryngeal cysts represent a rare group, about 5%, of benign laryngeal lesions <sup>1</sup>. There is no gender predilection <sup>3</sup>.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Normally they are examination findings in patients with non-specific symptoms or who are asymptomatic. Patients can have laryngeal stridor or dyspnoea <sup>2</sup>.</p><p>The lesions can cause significant respiratory obstruction, and even death, if not properly treated. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>CT</h5><p>Well-defined, fluid-attenuation, non-enhancing rounded lesion</p><h5>MRI</h5><p>Well-defined, fluid signal intensity, non-enhancing rounded lesion</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>Different forms of treatment have been described for laryngeal cysts, such as aspiration, marsupialisation with laser ablation and complete excision. Recurrence is directly related to the maintenance of remnants of the cyst wall <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis </h4><p>General imaging differential considerations include:</p><ul>-<li><a href="/articles/laryngocoele">laryngocele</a></li>- +<p><strong>Laryngeal cysts</strong> can occur in any part of the larynx, but are more frequent in supraglottic locations, such as the epiglottis and vallecula. The prevalence of each location varies on different studies. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>The laryngeal cysts represent a rare group, about 5%, of benign laryngeal lesions <sup>1</sup>. There is no gender predilection <sup>3</sup>.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Normally they are examination findings in patients with non-specific symptoms or who are asymptomatic. Patients can have laryngeal stridor or dyspnoea <sup>2</sup>.</p><p>The lesions can cause significant respiratory obstruction, and even death, if not properly treated. </p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>CT</h5><p>Well-defined, fluid-attenuation, non-enhancing rounded lesion.</p><h5>MRI</h5><p>Well-defined, fluid signal intensity, non-enhancing rounded lesion.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>Different forms of treatment have been described for laryngeal cysts, such as aspiration, marsupialisation with laser ablation and complete excision. Recurrence is directly related to the maintenance of remnants of the cyst wall <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis </h4><p>General imaging differential considerations include:</p><ul>
- +<li><a href="/articles/laryngocele-1">laryngocele</a></li>