This system characterizes the disease based disease severity.Yonekawa Classification:
Grade I – Lesions contact the anterior third of the vocal fold
Grade II – Lesions contact the anterior two-thirds of the vocal fold
Grade III – Lesions contact the entirety of the vocal foldIf further evaluation is needed, stroboscopy is used to examine mucosal waves of the vocal cords. Mucosal waves describe the waves produced by vibration of the vocal cords during speech. Stroboscopes produce flashes of light that are timed to the patients vocal frequency. Every time the light is flashed, it will create a still frame image of the vocal cords at that particular moment in time. These are combined to produce an image of the wave. In the case of Reinkes edema, structural changes to the vocal cords will result in abnormal wave patterns. Treatment
The first step in treating Reinkes edema is to eliminate or control those risk factors that are causing the disease. This includes the cessation of smoking, the control of gastric reflux using antacids and/or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), and the discontinuation of activities that cause vocal distress. Those experiencing a hoarseness of the voice may choose to undergo voice therapy to improve the voices quality and range. Most cases of Reinkes edema are caused by the long term usage of cigarettes. In this case, it is important to make lifestyle changes to stop smoking.
Advanced cases may undergo phonosurgery to remove the fluid from the vocal cords. Signs and symptoms
List of common symptoms:

"sac-like" appearance of the vocal folds
Hoarseness and deepening of the voice
Trouble speaking (Dysphonia)
Reduced vocal range with diminished upper limits
Stretching of the mucosa (Distension)
Shortness of breath (Dyspnoea)Reinkes edema is characterized by a "sac-like" appearance of the vocal folds. The edema is a white translucent fluid that causes a bulging (distension) of the vocal cord. The most common clinical symptom associated with Reinkes edema is an abnormally low pitched voice with hoarseness. The low pitch voice is a direct result of increased fluid in the Reinkes space, which vibrates at a lower frequency than normal (females <130 Hz;  males <110 Hz). Hoarseness is a common problem of many laryngeal diseases, such as laryngitis. It is described as a harsh and breathy tone of voice. Hoarseness is often seen alongside dysphonia, a condition in which the individual has difficulty speaking.The swelling of the vocal cords and the lowering of the voice are warning signs that an individual has Reinkes edema. At the microscopic level, an examination of the vocal cords in patients with Reinkes edema will show lowered levels of collagen, elastin, and extracellular matrix proteins. These characteristics can be used to diagnose Reinkes edema. Reinkes edema is considered a benign polyp that may become precancerous if smoking is involved. An indicator of cancer is the development of leukoplakia, which manifests as white patches on the vocal folds.Smoking, gastric reflux, and hypothyroidism are all risk factors for Reinkes edema.