The vocal cords are folds in the voice box (larynx) that open to let air into the lungs. When the vocal cords look thicker than usual or asymmetric on imaging, this can be associated with vocal cord dysfunction - when the vocal cords do not open normally. Vocal cord dysfunction symptoms can include difficulty breathing or speaking and coughing. The causes vary, and can include post nasal drip, acid reflux and vocal cord nerve paralysis (i.e. nerve damage).
Supraclavicular refers to the hollow space just above the clavicle (collarbone). Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures that are part of the body's immune system. Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease. There are hundreds of lymph nodes found throughout the body. Sometimes lymph nodes are noted on imaging to be prominent (enlarged) and reactive (appearing swollen). Anything that causes inflammation can cause prominent lymph nodes. Most often this is from a viral infection or injury; other less common causes include bacterial infection, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, as well as medications.
The epiglottis is the leaf-shaped flap of tissue in the throat that prevents food from entering the windpipe and the lungs. Based on your MRI images, there is a mass (growth) at the base of the epiglottis. To determine exactly what this mass is, further imaging is needed.
Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the nerve impulses to the voice box (larynx) are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles. In most cases of vocal cord paralysis, only one vocal cord is paralyzed. Vocal cord paralysis can affect the ability to speak and even breathe. Vocal cords not only produce sound, but they also protect the airway by preventing food, drink and even saliva from entering the windpipe (trachea) which could cause choking. When vocal cord paralysis has been diagnosed, a cause should be actively sought. Possible causes include nerve damage during surgery, viral infections and certain cancers.
The petrous bone is one part of the temporal bone, a major part of the skull that helps form the sides and base of the skull. Usually the petrous bone is completely solid but sometimes it can be “pneumatized” (have air spaces).
The scalp refers to the layers of skin and tissue that cover the head. Cutaneous (skin) nodules are abnormal growths of tissue on or in the skin. They may be non-cancerous (e.g. lipoma, cyst, abscess, hematoma) or malignant (cancerous).
