Vocal Cord Biopsy Tips

Vocal cord nodules, polyps & cysts

Vocal cord nodules, polyps, and cysts are benign (non-cancerous) growths that occur along the free edges or just below the surface membrane of the vocal cord (s). Because they typically distort the normally straight contour of the vocal cords, they impair how well the vocal cords close during speaking and/or singing. A patient with one of these lesions may have a gap in between the vocal cords during certain phases of vibration, when there should ideally be none. This results in a leaking vocal valve, which is why patients with nodules, polyps or cysts often suffer from vocal fatigue. Singers, in particular, may find that they have difficulty reaching their high notes, especially when singing softly.

It is also common for nodules, polyps and cysts to cause a raspy voice. In addition to impacting vocal cord closure, these lesions can stiffen the vocal cord (s). Vocal cords that are not soft cannot vibrate optimally, and this can lead to a raspy, strained or inconsistent sound.

Nodules - in general, vocal cord nodules are comprised of firm scar tissue (like a callous) and occur in pairs on opposing sections of each of the vocal cords. 

Polyps - vocal cord polyps tend to be softer, more gelatinous structures than nodules and they commonly protrude more from the free edge. They typically exist only along one vocal cord, although a reactive nodule may form at its contact point with the opposite vocal cord. This results from collision trauma of the polyp against the other vocal cord during sound production. Polyps can also exist along both vocal cords (bilaterally), and sometimes occur in the context of a leaking blood vessel (hemorrhage) within the vocal cord, resulting in a hemorrhagic polyp.

Cysts - vocal cord cysts are spherical or ovoid structures that tend to be located slightly deeper within the vocal cord than nodules or polyps. They can be solid (keratin cyst) or filled with fluid (mucus retention cyst). Some patients may be born with a vocal cord cyst (s) (congenital cyst), but they are more commonly acquired.

Treatment

Vocal cord nodules, and often vocal cord polyps, tend to occur in individuals with significant vocal demands (singers, teachers, etc.) but can also occur in patients who are vocal over-doers. It is optimal for patients with these types of lesions to work with a voice pathologist, a speech pathologist skilled in treating voice disorders, to assess whether voice use patterns are contributing to the development of the problem. Voice center hospital provides a collaborative and multidisciplinary working environment between the patient, the laryngologist and the voice pathologist.

For many patients, minimally invasive laryngeal surgery can be an effective and safe treatment for these lesions. Optimal voice outcomes are most reliably achieved by a laryngologist/laryngeal surgeon who has specialized equipment, training and experience operating on the delicate vocal cords.

The spinal cord is like a cable consisting of millions of nerves that transmit messages in the form of electrochemical signals from the brain to the rest of the body, and also sensations from the body back to the brain. We are able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord. 

The spinal cord is soft and vulnerable to injury. It is protected by the bony structure of the vertebral column. A spinal cord injury can happen if there is a fracture of the spine. Sometimes, even if the vertebral column is intact, violent shaking can cause cord contusions. It’s an extremely serious type of injury that is likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life. 

If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may get blocked. The result is a loss of sensation and mobility below the level of injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout the body, while one in the lower back may affect the legs but spare the hands. 

Causes: 

A spinal cord injury is often the result of violent trauma. Events like spontaneous hemorrhage, infection, tumors or autoimmune diseases can also cause spinal cord damage. Some causes of traumatic injury to the spinal cord are : 

• trauma during a car accident (specifically, trauma to the face, head and neck region, back, or chest area) 
• falling from a significant height 
• head or spinal injuries during sporting events 
• electrical accidents 
• a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot 
• Diving head first into water that’s too shallow and hitting the bottom

Symptoms-

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include: 

• Neck or back pain 
• Pain radiating along limbs, or numbness/ pins and needles sensation along the arms or legs. 
• Weakness of particular muscle groups in focal injury, to complete paralysis in severe injury. 
• Clumsiness during finer actions using the hands. 
• Unsteadiness or loss of balance while walking. 
• Loss of control of the bladder or bowels You must take immediate precautions 

If there is the slightest suspicion that someone has a back or neck injury: 

• Call 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number 
• Do not move the injured person – permanent paralysis and other serious complications may result. 
• Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving until emergency care arrives •    Provide basic first aid, such as stopping any bleeding and making the person comfortable, without moving the head or neck 
• If movement is absolutely necessary, arrange a cervical collar, then log-roll onto a stiff spine board or flat surface, taking care that all parts of the body move together and that any relative movement between one part of the spine to the next is avoided. 

Prevention- 
Because spinal cord injuries are often due to unpredictable events, the best you can do is reduce your risk. Some risk-reducing measures include: 

• always wearing a seatbelt while in a car 
• wearing proper protective gear while playing sports 
• never diving into water unless you’ve examined it first to make sure it’s deep enough and free of rocks 
• increase protective measures to avoid falls from height 

Treatment: 
Seek the opinion of a Neurosurgeon or an Orthopedic spine surgeon as soon as possible. X-rays, CT scan or MRI scans may be advised for assessing bony or soft tissue injuries of spine. Minor injuries require only immobilization and rest. Severe injuries, however, may require steroid injections and surgical intervention. Time is of essence, and an early surgery in certain situations may save a limb that would otherwise be paralyzed for life.

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We are able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.

If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to ‘get through’. The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.

Causes-

A spinal cord injury is often the result of an unpredictable accident or violent event. The following can all result in damage to the spinal cord:

• a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot
• diving into water that’s too shallow and hitting the bottom
• trauma during a car accident (specifically trauma to the face, head and neck region, back, or chest area)
• falling from a significant height
• head or spinal injuries during sporting events
• electrical accidents
• severe twisting of the middle portion of the torso

Symptoms -

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

1. problems walking
2. loss of control of the bladder or bowels
3. inability to move the arms or legs
4. feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
5. unconsciousness
6. headache
7. pain, pressure, stiffness in the back or neck area
8. signs of shock
9. unnatural positioning of the head

If you suspect that someone has a back or neck injury:

• Don’t move the injured person – permanent paralysis and other serious complications may result
• Call 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number
• Keep the person still
• Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving until emergency care arrives
• Provide basic first aid, such as stopping any bleeding and making the person comfortable, without moving the head or neck

Treatment

Treatment should be focused upon that individual and tailored specifically to their condition. A treatment programme is formulated following a thorough physical assessment which might include:

1. Stretching activities to maintain muscle and tendon length and reduce or keep muscle spasms/spasticity to a minimum.
2. Flexibility and strengthening exercises for the whole body.
3. Breathing exercises to maximise lung function and prevent chest infection.
4. Balance and posture exercises which can help to reduce pain associated with poor posture and balance impairment and ensure correct transfer techniques (in/out of wheelchair, bed, toilet/bath, car etc.)
5. Functional activities to improve fundamental movement patterns such as rolling over and sitting up, and standing where appropriate.
6. Walking re-education, if there is sufficient muscle activity and power in the legs.

Your physiotherapist might also be able to advise an individual on use of appropriate equipment such as wheel-chairs and pressure releasing cushions, exercise equipment and electrical muscle stimulators.

Prevention

Because spinal cord injuries are often due to unpredictable events, the best you can do is reduce your risk.

 Some risk-reducing measures include:

1. Always wearing a seatbelt while in a car
2. Wearing proper protective gear while playing sports
3. Never diving into water unless you’ve examined it first to make sure it’s deep enough and free of rocks 

   If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a physiotherapist.

Colposcopy is a procedure that is used to get a closer view of a women’s cervix, vagina and vulva. It is a procedure carried on to detect the presence of any abnormal cells on the cervix and nearby areas. 

Why is Colposcopy done?
This procedure is carried out to see the problems in the vagina and cervix which may otherwise be not visible with a naked eye. A colposcopy is done when the Pap test results are abnormal. These abnormalities could be due to several reasons like viral infections namely human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or any other fungal (yeast), bacterial or protozoan (Trichomonas) infection. Atrophic vaginitis or natural cervical changes due to menopause can also lead to abnormal Pap test results. However one needs to be careful because these untreated cervical cell changes that lead to abnormal Pap tests can at times develop into precancerous or cancerous changes.

Cervical Biopsy
In case during colposcopy, an abnormal tissue is found in the problem areas, the doctor will remove a tiny sample of it and send it to the lab. This is normally known as a biopsy or cervical biopsy which is done from inside the opening of the cervix or endocervical canal.
 

Procedure for a colposcopy and biopsy
A colposcopy is normally a pain free procedure where at times some women might feel a slight tingling or burning sensation when the solution is applied. Biopsy might lead to a little discomfort like that of a sharp pinch or a menstrual cramp. During colposcopy a speculum or a small instrument is inserted into the vagina to spread apart the vaginal walls. In order to see the area more clearly the doctor dabs the cervix or vagina with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar (acetic acid) or Iodine (Lugol's solution). The solution is used to remove any kind of mucus and also makes the abnormal cells turn white in order to be clearly visible.

The doctor then uses a colposcope, a light magnifying device that looks like binoculars and has a bright light mounted to it. It also has a camera attached to it to take the videos or pictures of the cervix and vagina.
Biopsies are normally done by scraping away abnormal cells with a small brush or a small curette.

Results of colposcopy or cervical Biopsy
In case of Normal results the vinegar or iodine will not show the presence of any abnormal cells and the vagina and cervix look normal. But in case of abnormal results, there are abnormal tissues seen in the problem areas. It could also be a sore or a genital wart or infection in and around the vagina. The biopsy report would clarify whether it is cervical cancer or is likely to develop.

Colposcopy is a procedure that is used to get a closer view of a women’s cervix, vagina and vulva. It is a procedure carried on to detect the presence of any abnormal cells on the cervix and nearby areas. 

Why is Colposcopy done?
This procedure is carried out to see the problems in the vagina and cervix which may otherwise be not visible with a naked eye. A colposcopy is done when the Pap test results are abnormal. These abnormalities could be due to several reasons like viral infections namely human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or any other fungal (yeast), bacterial or protozoan (Trichomonas) infection. Atrophic vaginitis or natural cervical changes due to menopause can also lead to abnormal Pap test results. However one needs to be careful because these untreated cervical cell changes that lead to abnormal Pap tests can at times develop into precancerous or cancerous changes.

Cervical Biopsy
In case during colposcopy, an abnormal tissue is found in the problem areas, the doctor will remove a tiny sample of it and send it to the lab. This is normally known as a biopsy or cervical biopsy which is done from inside the opening of the cervix or endocervical canal.
 

Procedure for a colposcopy and biopsy
A colposcopy is normally a pain free procedure where at times some women might feel a slight tingling or burning sensation when the solution is applied. Biopsy might lead to a little discomfort like that of a sharp pinch or a menstrual cramp. During colposcopy a speculum or a small instrument is inserted into the vagina to spread apart the vaginal walls. In order to see the area more clearly the doctor dabs the cervix or vagina with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar (acetic acid) or Iodine (Lugol's solution). The solution is used to remove any kind of mucus and also makes the abnormal cells turn white in order to be clearly visible.

The doctor then uses a colposcope, a light magnifying device that looks like binoculars and has a bright light mounted to it. It also has a camera attached to it to take the videos or pictures of the cervix and vagina.
Biopsies are normally done by scraping away abnormal cells with a small brush or a small curette.

Results of colposcopy or cervical Biopsy
In case of Normal results the vinegar or iodine will not show the presence of any abnormal cells and the vagina and cervix look normal. But in case of abnormal results, there are abnormal tissues seen in the problem areas. It could also be a sore or a genital wart or infection in and around the vagina. The biopsy report would clarify whether it is cervical cancer or is likely to develop.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Colposcopy is a procedure that is used to get a closer view of a women’s cervix, vagina and vulva. It is a procedure carried on to detect the presence of any abnormal cells on the cervix and nearby areas. 

Why is Colposcopy done?
This procedure is carried out to see the problems in the vagina and cervix which may otherwise be not visible with a naked eye. A colposcopy is done when the Pap test results are abnormal. These abnormalities could be due to several reasons like viral infections namely human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or any other fungal (yeast), bacterial or protozoan (Trichomonas) infection. Atrophic vaginitis or natural cervical changes due to menopause can also lead to abnormal Pap test results. However one needs to be careful because these untreated cervical cell changes that lead to abnormal Pap tests can at times develop into precancerous or cancerous changes.

Cervical Biopsy
In case during colposcopy, an abnormal tissue is found in the problem areas, the doctor will remove a tiny sample of it and send it to the lab. This is normally known as a biopsy or cervical biopsy which is done from inside the opening of the cervix or endocervical canal.
 

Procedure for a colposcopy and biopsy
A colposcopy is normally a pain free procedure where at times some women might feel a slight tingling or burning sensation when the solution is applied. Biopsy might lead to a little discomfort like that of a sharp pinch or a menstrual cramp. During colposcopy a speculum or a small instrument is inserted into the vagina to spread apart the vaginal walls. In order to see the area more clearly the doctor dabs the cervix or vagina with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar (acetic acid) or Iodine (Lugol's solution). The solution is used to remove any kind of mucus and also makes the abnormal cells turn white in order to be clearly visible.

The doctor then uses a colposcope, a light magnifying device that looks like binoculars and has a bright light mounted to it. It also has a camera attached to it to take the videos or pictures of the cervix and vagina.
Biopsies are normally done by scraping away abnormal cells with a small brush or a small curette.

Results of colposcopy or cervical Biopsy
In case of Normal results the vinegar or iodine will not show the presence of any abnormal cells and the vagina and cervix look normal. But in case of abnormal results, there are abnormal tissues seen in the problem areas. It could also be a sore or a genital wart or infection in and around the vagina. The biopsy report would clarify whether it is cervical cancer or is likely to develop. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

A spinal cord injury is a damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We are able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.

If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to ‘get through’. The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.

Causes-

A spinal cord injury is often the result of an unpredictable accident or violent event. The following can all result in damage to the spinal cord:

• a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot
• diving into water that’s too shallow and hitting the bottom
• trauma during a car accident (specifically, trauma to the face, head and neck region, back, or chest area)
• falling from a significant height
• head or spinal injuries during sporting events
• electrical accidents
• severe twisting of the middle portion of the torso

Symptoms-

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

1. problems walking
2. loss of control of the bladder or bowels
3. inability to move the arms or legs
4. feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
5. unconsciousness
6. headache
7. pain, pressure, stiffness in the back or neck area
8. signs of shock
9. unnatural positioning of the head

If you suspect that someone has a back or neck injury:

• Don’t move the injured person – permanent paralysis and other serious complications may result
• Call 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number
• Keep the person still
• Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving until emergency care arrives
• Provide basic first aid, such as stopping any bleeding and making the person comfortable, without moving the head or neck

Prevention-

Because spinal cord injuries are often due to unpredictable events, the best you can do is reduce your risk.

 Some risk-reducing measures include:

1. always wearing a seatbelt while in a car
2. wearing proper protective gear while playing sports
3. never diving into water unless you’ve examined it first to make sure it’s deep enough and free of rocks

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We are able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.

If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to ‘get through’. The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.

Causes-

A spinal cord injury is often the result of an unpredictable accident or violent event. The following can all result in damage to the spinal cord:

• a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot
• diving into water that’s too shallow and hitting the bottom
• trauma during a car accident (specifically trauma to the face, head and neck region, back, or chest area)
• falling from a significant height
• head or spinal injuries during sporting events
• electrical accidents
• severe twisting of the middle portion of the torso

Symptoms -

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

1. problems walking
2. loss of control of the bladder or bowels
3. inability to move the arms or legs
4. feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
5. unconsciousness
6. headache
7. pain, pressure, stiffness in the back or neck area
8. signs of shock
9. unnatural positioning of the head

If you suspect that someone has a back or neck injury:

• Don’t move the injured person – permanent paralysis and other serious complications may result
• Call 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number
• Keep the person still
• Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving until emergency care arrives
• Provide basic first aid, such as stopping any bleeding and making the person comfortable, without moving the head or neck

Treatment

Treatment should be focused upon that individual and tailored specifically to their condition. A treatment programme is formulated following a thorough physical assessment which might include:

1. Stretching activities to maintain muscle and tendon length and reduce or keep muscle spasms/spasticity to a minimum.
2. Flexibility and strengthening exercises for the whole body.
3. Breathing exercises to maximise lung function and prevent chest infection.
4. Balance and posture exercises which can help to reduce pain associated with poor posture and balance impairment and ensure correct transfer techniques (in/out of wheelchair, bed, toilet/bath, car etc.)
5. Functional activities to improve fundamental movement patterns such as rolling over and sitting up, and standing where appropriate.
6. Walking re-education, if there is sufficient muscle activity and power in the legs.

Your physiotherapist might also be able to advise an individual on use of appropriate equipment such as wheel-chairs and pressure releasing cushions, exercise equipment and electrical muscle stimulators.

Prevention

Because spinal cord injuries are often due to unpredictable events, the best you can do is reduce your risk.

 Some risk-reducing measures include:

1. Always wearing a seatbelt while in a car
2. Wearing proper protective gear while playing sports
3. Never diving into water unless you’ve examined it first to make sure it’s deep enough and free of rocks

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

A spinal cord injury is a damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We are able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.

If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to ‘get through’. The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.

Causes-

A spinal cord injury is often the result of an unpredictable accident or violent event. The following can all result in damage to the spinal cord:

• a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot
• diving into water that’s too shallow and hitting the bottom
• trauma during a car accident (specifically, trauma to the face, head and neck region, back, or chest area)
• falling from a significant height
• electrical accidents
• severe twisting of the middle portion of the torso

Symptoms-

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

1. Problem in walking
2. Loss of control of the bladder or bowels
3. Inability to move the arms or legs
4. Feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
5. Unconsciousness
6. Pain, pressure, stiffness in the back or neck area
7. Signs of shock
8. Unnatural positioning of the head

If you suspect that someone has a back or neck injury:

• Don’t move the injured person – permanent paralysis and other serious complications may result
• Keep the person still
• Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving until emergency care arrives
• Provide basic first aid, such as stopping any bleeding and making the person comfortable, without moving the head or neck

Prevention-

Because spinal cord injuries are often due to unpredictable events, the best you can do is reduce your risk.

 Some risk-reducing measures include:

1. always wearing a seatbelt while in a car
2. wearing proper protective gear while playing sports
3. never diving into water unless you’ve examined it first to make sure it’s deep enough and free of rocks. Consult an Expert & get answers to your questions!

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain. We are able to perceive pain and move our limbs because of messages sent through the spinal cord.

If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to ‘get through’. The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.

Causes-

A spinal cord injury is often the result of an unpredictable accident or violent event. The following can all result in damage to the spinal cord:

• a violent attack such as a stabbing or a gunshot
• diving into water that’s too shallow and hitting the bottom
• trauma during a car accident (specifically trauma to the face, head and neck region, back, or chest area)
• falling from a significant height
• head or spinal injuries during sporting events
• electrical accidents
• severe twisting of the middle portion of the torso

Symptoms -

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

1. problems walking
2. loss of control of the bladder or bowels
3. inability to move the arms or legs
4. feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
5. unconsciousness
6. headache
7. pain, pressure, stiffness in the back or neck area
8. signs of shock
9. unnatural positioning of the head

If you suspect that someone has a back or neck injury:

• Don’t move the injured person – permanent paralysis and other serious complications may result
• Call 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number
• Keep the person still
• Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent them from moving until emergency care arrives
• Provide basic first aid, such as stopping any bleeding and making the person comfortable, without moving the head or neck

Treatment

Treatment should be focused upon that individual and tailored specifically to their condition. A treatment programme is formulated following a thorough physical assessment which might include:

1. Stretching activities to maintain muscle and tendon length and reduce or keep muscle spasms/spasticity to a minimum.
2. Flexibility and strengthening exercises for the whole body.
3. Breathing exercises to maximise lung function and prevent chest infection.
4. Balance and posture exercises which can help to reduce pain associated with poor posture and balance impairment and ensure correct transfer techniques (in/out of wheelchair, bed, toilet/bath, car etc.)
5. Functional activities to improve fundamental movement patterns such as rolling over and sitting up, and standing where appropriate.
6. Walking re-education, if there is sufficient muscle activity and power in the legs.

Your physiotherapist might also be able to advise an individual on use of appropriate equipment such as wheel-chairs and pressure releasing cushions, exercise equipment and electrical muscle stimulators.

Prevention

Because spinal cord injuries are often due to unpredictable events, the best you can do is reduce your risk.

 Some risk-reducing measures include:

1. Always wearing a seatbelt while in a car
2. Wearing proper protective gear while playing sports
3. Never diving into water unless you’ve examined it first to make sure it’s deep enough and free of rocks