Vocal Fold Varices and Risk of Hemorrhage

Varices, or enlarged blood vessels of the vocal ford are thought to be related to vocal fold hemorrhage. Several papers describe surgery of varices, but the actual risk has never been defined. 499 patients who were vocal performers were followed for at least two years, some with varices and some without. Varices did appear to be related to an increased risk of hemorrhage, but the overall risk was still small, 2.7% over 12 months.