To evaluate the clinical characteristics of sulcus vocalis concurring with benign mucosal lesions of the vocal folds(BMLVF), 152 patients who underwent microlarngeal surgery for BMLVF were reviewed retrospectively from March 1991 to February
1993.
Of the 152 patients, 16(10.5%) had concurrent sulcus vocalis. Sulcus vocalis revealed peak incidence in the fifth decade(43.8%), and the onset of dysphonia was most frequent in the fourth decade(43.8%). There was no difference in sex
distribution.
Ten
cases were unilateral, six cases were bilateral.
The concurrent sulcus vocalis was found in 7 of 38 vocal nodules(18.4%), 1 out of 9 Reinke's edema(11.1%), 1 of 12 vocal cysts(8.3%) and 7 of 93 vocal polyps(7.5%). Of the 22 glottic sulci in 6 patients, the sulci were located above the BMLVF in
54.5%,
below the BMLVF in 27.4%, between the BMLVF in 4.5% and at the contralateral fold in 13.6%. The length of sulcus vocalis was less than half of the membranous vocal fold in 72.7%, and the depth was enough to attach to the vocal ligament in 54.6%.
If organic dysphonia is not proportional to the size, location, and shape of the BMLVF, invisible concurrent sulcus vocalis should be suspected. Meticulous stroboscopic and microscopic examination around the BMLVF is mandatory. (Korean J
Otolaryngol 37
: 5, 1994)
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