There are MANY theories as to how vocal cord cysts , polyps , and nodules form. However, one theory that seems to make the most sense to me deals with how the vocal cord heals after a traumatic event (ie, screaming, yelling, coughing, etc). With a cyst , the mucosal vocal cord lining breaks down and during the healing process a cyst develops due to entrapped cells meant for creating lining. A polyp , however, is in essence a blistering of the vocal cord lining. Vocal cord nodule for comp…