Saccular cyst. (Laryngoscopic Clinic).

Saccular cysts are congenital, fluid-filled lesions that arise from the sacculus of the larynx. (1) Lateral saccular cysts extend into the false vocal fold and the aryepiglottic fold, while anterior saccular cysts extend into the ventricle and cover the true vocal fold. (2,3)

We evaluated an anterior saccular cyst in a 32-year-old man who had a 5-month history of hoarseness. On video-stroboscopic examination, the lesion appeared to be a cyst arising from the anterior aspect of the ventricle above the left true vocal fold (figure 1). The mass was excised during microlaryngoscopy with cold knife instrumentation. The overlying mucosa was separated from the medial aspect of the cyst. The cyst had arisen from the anteriormost part of the left ventricle (figure 2).

Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of saccular cyst. Repeat videostroboscopy 3 weeks later revealed a well-healing excision site. The patient's voice quality was excellent.

References

(1.) Holinger LD, Barnes DR, Smid LJ, Holinger PH. Laryngocele and saccular cysts. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1978;87:675-85.

(2.) DeSanto LW, Devine KD, Weiland LH. Cysts of the larynx--classification. Laryngoscope 1970;80:145-76.

(3.) Broyles EN. Anatomical observations concerning the laryngeal appendix. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1959;68:461-70.

From the Division of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.