S u m m a r y: The authors discuss the problem of benigns lesions of the vocal cords. Histological examinations were made in a total of 37 vocal fold polyps, 26 vocal modules, 5 Reinke’s oedemas and 6 vocal fold cysts. Although in the clinical laryngoscopic picture different affections of the vocal cords can be differentiated according to the localization and macroscopic appearance of the lesion, the histological picture of different conditions under light microscopy is very similar and they can be mistaken for each other. From the authors’ observation ensues that for histological differentia- tion a combination of several signs should be used. For a polyp of the vocal cords haemorrhage, thrombosis of the minor vessels and haemosiderin deposits are typical. For the histological picture of a vocal module node thickening of the basal membrane is typical, absence of haemorrhage and absence of oedematous lakes. A thickened basal membrane, oedematopus lakes, extravascular erythrocytes and a thickened wall of submucosal vessels are typical for Reinke’s oedema. For the histological diagnosis of a cyst the presence of epithelial lining is necessary.

        Key words: larynx, vocal cord, histology, etiology, singer’s node, vocal cord polyp, Reinke’s oedema, vocal fold cyst.