Vocal Cord Disorders.

Vocal cord disorders present with a variety of symptoms including dysphonia, respiratory symptoms, and stridor. When evaluating symptoms, a complete history and through head, neck, and neurologic examinations are necessary. If dysphonia persists for greater than 4 w or there is associated smoking, then larngoscopy is necessary to evaluate the vocal folds. Empiric treatment of dysphonia is not recommended without direct visualization of the vocal folds. Most masses of the vocal folds are benign and resolve with voice hygiene and speech therapy. Surgery is reserved for persistent symptomatic nodules and cancerous lesions.