Vallecula refers to the anatomic depression (space) between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis (the leaf-shaped flap of tissue in the throat that prevents food from entering the windpipe and the lungs). The function of the vallecula is to serve as a trap for saliva and occasionally food. Vallecula cysts are benign (non-cancerous) retention cysts of the minor salivary glands in the vallecula and base of the tongue. They are usually asymptomatic (do not cause symptoms), but large growths can sometimes cause a sensation of fullness or discomfort. While asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment, marsupialization (a surgical procedure to remove the cyst) may be indicated for those that cause symptoms.
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).
A ventral hernia occurs when part of the intestine or other abdominal tissue (e.g. fat) sticks out through an opening in the abdominal muscles at any location along the midline (vertical center) of the abdomen wall. In adults, ventral hernias are often acquired due to history of abdominal surgeries, increased intra-abdominal pressure brought on by obesity, straining with heavy lifting or coughing, or pregnancy.
Uterine fibroids (also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas) are abnormal growths in the muscle of the uterus. The cause of uterine fibroids is unclear, but hormones (estrogen and progesterone), family history, and pregnancy can play a role. Fibroids are generally harmless, but can cause abdominal pain, heavy or irregular menses or infertility. They usually become smaller and less symptomatic with menopause.
A varicocele, which is present in 15-20% of post-pubertal men, is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein that occurs in the legs. Although, the exact cause of a varicocele is unknown, the theory is that increased pressure in the veins causes them to dilate, leading to a defect in the vein's valve and a backflow of blood to the testes. A varicocele may cause symptoms such as dull aching, usually left-sided scrotal pain, swelling or a decrease in size of the left testicle, and/or decreased fertility. Men 21 years or younger with a varicocele should be evaluated for decreased testicular size on physical examination. Younger males who are post-pubertal should additionally undergo a semen analysis. Further management depends on those results. Men older than 21 years of age who desire continued fertility should be monitored with a semen analysis every 2 years. Conservative management with scrotal support and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may suffice for an older man who has completed his family and presents with minor scrotal discomfort as his only symptom. Surgery, which is the preferred treatment option for varicoceles, may be considered if causing significant pain.
Uterus didelphys (double uterus) is a type of uterine anomaly that is present from birth (congenital) in which a person has two uteruses. Each uterus has its own fallopian tube and ovary. Uterus didelphys is rare and only affects about 0.3% of the population. In most cases, uterine didelphys is incidentally discovered (found in passing when looking for something else) when the pelvis is imaged.
