Vallecular Cyst

A vallecular cyst is a mucus-containing cyst in the vallecula. Such cysts are relatively common. Vallecular cysts are almost always asymptomatic and found during examination for another issue, such as a voice problem.

Photos of Vallecular Cyst:

Vallecular cysts (1 of 2)

Panoramic view of the laryngopharynx, showing two vallecular cysts (arrows), between the base of the tongue and epiglottis.

Vallecular cysts (2 of 2)

Closer view. These cysts were an incidental finding during an examination for an unrelated complaint. They were not causing the patient any problems and could be left alone.

Vallecular Cysts don’t Disturb Swallowing—Except When They Do

Vallecular cyst (1 of 4)

Enormous vallecular cyst in this young woman. Swallowing of solids is affected. Food seems to catch and then expectorate back up to the mouth. No problem with liquids.

Evaluation of function (2 of 4)

Palate, pharynx, and larynx function are all normal. There is no pooling of saliva in the hypopharynx.

Applesauce residue (3 of 4)

An organized ring of applesauce remains after trying to swallow blue-stained applesauce.

Water wash (4 of 4)

Water wash is very effective in clearing the applesauce away. Vallecular cysts are usually left alone; here, the plan is to remove it with the thulium laser and see if swallowing is restored.

Laser for A Type of Lesion Usually Left Alone

Vallecular cyst (1 of 8)

A large vallecular cyst in an older man with awareness of a “foreign body” sensation when swallowing.

Beginning swallow (2 of 8)

As a swallow begins, note the posterior pressure on the epiglottis and lateral pressure on the pharyngeal wall. Normally we leave these alone, but with careful discussion he wanted to be rid of this to see if it would diminish his symptoms.

Laser coagulation (3 of 8)

With the patient sitting in a chair under only topical anesthesia, office laser coagulation begins with a wide area.

Cyst wall (4 of 8)

Coagulation now involves the full thickness of the cyst wall. When it sloughs off, the cyst will be widely unroofed.

Contents spilling out (5 of 8)

Cyst contents are spilling out.

Concluding coagulation (6 of 8)

At the conclusion of the procedure the cyst has evacuated its contents and collapsed in size. The coagulated surface will detach over the next week or two.

3 weeks later (7 of 8)

Three weeks later, the vallecula is normal and the patient says symptoms are reduced “50%.”

Collapsed cyst (8 of 8)

The collapsed cyst with nearby unrelated and typical vallecular cyst requiring no treatment.