Which is more serious, vocal cord nodules or vocal cord polyps?
Vocal cord nodules and vocal cord polyps are both benign occupies of the vocal cord area. Vocal cord nodules appear as point-like and nodular protrusions, while vocal cord polyps appear as polyp-like protrusions, and thus, the volume of vocal cord polyps is relatively larger. Generally speaking, the hoarseness associated with vocal cord nodules is milder, while the hoarseness from vocal cord polyps is more severe. In terms of treatment, vocal cord nodules generally do not require surgical intervention and are mainly managed with voice rest and symptomatic treatment. On the other hand, vocal cord polyps almost always require surgical treatment for resolution. Therefore, overall, vocal cord polyps are more severe, while vocal cord nodules are relatively milder.