Value of videostroboscopic parameters in differentiating true vocal fold cysts from polyps

Differentiating between benign true vocal fold (TVF) cysts, polyps, and nodules on the basis of their gross appearance would be advantageous in determining the need for surgical therapy. A retrospective study of 32 patients covering 31 months was done to assess the ability to differentiate these lesions on the basis of stroboscopic parameters. Stroboscopic examinations were evaluated for symmetry, amplitude, periodicity, mucosal wave, and closure. Preoperative diagnoses were validated with operative and histologic confirmation. Mucosal wave was absent or diminished in 100% of TVF cysts and present or increased in 80% of TVF polyps (P<.05). Thirty-one percent of original histopathologic diagnoses were modified after pertinent clinical information was provided to the pathologist. Therefore, stroboscopic evaluation of mucosal wave is helpful in preoperative differentiation of TVF cysts and polyps, and providing clinical information to the pathologist is critical for useful histologic information.