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Laryngoceles are evaginations of the mucous membrane of the laryngeal ventricle.

Internal laryngoceles displace and enlarge the false vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness and airway obstruction. External laryngoceles extend through the thyrohyoid membrane, causing a mass in the neck. Laryngoceles tend to occur in musicians who play wind instruments. Laryngoceles are filled with air and can be expanded by the Valsalva maneuver. They appear on CT as smooth, ovoid, low-density masses. Laryngoceles may become infected (laryngopyocele) or filled with mucoid fluid. Treatment is excision.

Last full review/revision July 2008 by Clarence T. Sasaki, MD

Content last modified July 2008