ABSTRACT

The vibratory or phonating surface of the vocal folds is a complex layered structure. The presence of pathological changes to the vocal folds will cause deterioration of voice quality due to mechanical properties of the vibrating structures as well as due to the aerodynamic factors of phonation in the glottis. Benign growths and pseudotumors of the vocal folds can influence the functional properties of the different structures for voice production (Milinović, 1996). Repeated trauma from vocal misuse or overuse frequently leads to the development of nodules, polyps or cysts. In nodules and polyps there is an abnormal pattern of fibronectin deposition within the superficial layer of the lamina propria. In addition, the basement membrane zone of the overlying mucosa is thickened in nodules and thinned in polyps (Bastian, 1996; Courey, Garret & Ossoff, 1997; Wendler, 1997).