Cysts can appear at which location on the membranous vocal fold?

• A. Mid-membranous portion
• B. Posterior glottis
• C. Epiglottis
• D. Inferior border of the vocal fold

Answer: (A)

Cysts on the true vocal folds most often form in the part of the fold that vibrates—the mid-membranous region. This area is where mucus glands in the submucosa can become blocked, allowing mucus to accumulate and create a cyst beneath the surface. Because this portion drives the vocal fold’s vibration, a cyst here disrupts the mucosal wave and leads to hoarseness or irregular voice. The posterior glottis, epiglottis, and the inferior border of the vocal fold are not typical sites for these cysts, since they involve different regions that aren’t the main vibrating zone.