Microlesions of the Vocal Fold in Professional Singers : An Indication for Phonomicrosurgery for Lesions in Vertical Locations

Although it is generally accepted that phonomicrosurgery may be indicated for vocal fold mass lesions even in professional singers, the specific indications for surgery on stroboscopic findings for microlesions of the vocal folds in professional singers are not clear. The present study included 88 patients (male, n=36; female, n=52) who presented to the AKASAKA Voice Health Center with clear complaints in singing and who underwent phonomicrosurgery to resect microlesions of the vocal folds. At three months postoperatively, 102 of the total 117 subjective complaints in singing were resolved (87%). We classified five vertical locations of lesions (determined based on surgical findings) on the medial surface of the vocal folds, and statistically analyzed the differences in verticality according to the various attributes of the cases. The results showed that lesions were significantly more prevalent in the upper part of the vocal folds when the singing or disordered voice was in a high pitch and light register, while lesions were significantly more prevalent in the lower part of the vocal folds when the voice was in a low pitch and heavy register. Considering laryngeal regulation during singing, we hypothesize that lesions in the lower part of the mucosal wave-generating area are more likely to cause a malfunction in singing. A lesion in such a location can also be identified by stroboscopy, as a prominence on the medial margin in the closing phase (lesion on lower crest: LLC). Although individualized treatment is necessary, stroboscopic findings that demonstrate the presence of an irreversible LLC in singing may be a good indication for phonomicrosurgery.