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Vocal Fold Hemorrhage

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes the literature regarding vocal fold hemorrhage (VFH) in singers in order to provide an evidence-based approach to evaluation and treatment.

Recent Findings

VFH is a common vocal injury which affects performers at higher frequency than non-performers. It usually resolves satisfactorily with voice rest. The presence of vocal fold varices increases the risk of VFH and especially of recurrence; these may be effectively treated with photoangiolytic lasers when appropriate. When treated appropriately, VFH does not appear to pose significant risk to subjective voice quality, vocal function, or vocational stability.

Summary

VFH can be effectively managed with voice rest. Evidence supports the use of surgery to address identifiable bleeding sources following VFH. When appropriately treated, singers with VFH typically face no significant long-term voice sequelae or threat to career.

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Change history

  • 17 September 2023

    The word 'vocal' is added somewhere in the sentence in "Treatment" section under "Behavioral. And, the word 'but' is added somewhere in the sentence in "Conclusion" section.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Weill Cornell Medicine, 240 E. 59th St, New York, NY, 10022, USA

    Christine M. Clark & Lucian Sulica

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  1. Christine M. Clark
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  2. Lucian Sulica
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Correspondence to Christine M. Clark.

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Clark, C.M., Sulica, L. Vocal Fold Hemorrhage. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 11, 292–298 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-023-00471-4

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