Section 19. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Chapter 222. Throat Disorders

Topics: Introduction | Tonsillar Cellulitis and Abscess | Epiglottitis | Laryngitis | Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps | Contact Ulcers of the Vocal Cords | Vocal Cord Paralysis | Laryngoceles

Laryngoceles

Laryngoceles are outpouchings of the mucous membrane of a part of the voice box (larynx).

Laryngoceles may bulge inward, resulting in hoarseness and airway obstruction, or outward, producing a visible lump in the neck. Laryngoceles are filled with air and can be expanded when a person breathes out forcefully with the mouth closed and the nostrils pinched shut. Laryngoceles tend to occur in musicians who play wind instruments.

On a computed tomography (CT) scan, laryngoceles appear smooth and egg-shaped. They may become infected or filled with mucuslike fluid and are usually removed surgically.