Vocal Fold Hemorrhage: Resolution

This 44-year-old classical singer had undergone surgery for a left vocal fold mass approximately two years prior to her current problem. Shortly before the visit during which the above videoprint was made, she experienced an episode of sudden hoarseness and breathiness. The figure shows thickening, erythema and yellowi sh discoloration which are typical of resolv ing hemorrhage. They involve the entire right true vocal fold, indicating that the submucosal hemorrhage dissected extensively. However, there are no discrete areas of hematoma and the mucosal edge is reasonably flat. Such hemorrhages frequently resolve completely and the vibratory function often returns to normal. However, it is common for slight vocal fold discoloration to persist for many months (sometimes permanently).