Do vocal cord nodules require surgery?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

Vocal cord nodules refer to symmetrical nodular elevations that appear on the free edges of both vocal cords. These nodules are mostly grain-like or granular protrusions. Vocal cord nodules are often caused by incorrect pronunciation, overuse of the voice, or screaming loudly, which are inappropriate vocal habits. Generally, most vocal cord nodules will disappear on their own after resting the voice, speaking less, and using the voice correctly. Therefore, as explained above, vocal cord nodules do not require surgical treatment. Surgery is only necessary if the vocal cord nodules continue to develop uncontrollably, evolving into vocal cord polyps or other pathological changes.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Do vocal cord nodules require surgery?

Vocal cord nodules refer to symmetrical nodular elevations that appear on the free edges of both vocal cords. These nodules are mostly grain-like or granular protrusions. Vocal cord nodules are often caused by incorrect pronunciation, overuse of the voice, or screaming loudly, which are inappropriate vocal habits. Generally, most vocal cord nodules will disappear on their own after resting the voice, speaking less, and using the voice correctly. Therefore, as explained above, vocal cord nodules do not require surgical treatment. Surgery is only necessary if the vocal cord nodules continue to develop uncontrollably, evolving into vocal cord polyps or other pathological changes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
59sec home-news-image

Vocal cord nodules physical therapy

Vocal cord nodules are a common and frequent otolaryngological disorder, often found in professions that require excessive voice use, such as teachers, salespeople, and singers. These nodules typically grow symmetrically on the anterior-middle third of the vocal cords, with intermittent hoarseness as the main symptom. A definitive diagnosis can be made using a laryngoscope. Effective treatment for vocal cord nodules includes voice rest, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as cold drinks, and taking care to protect the voice in daily use. Oral medications that invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis can be used to improve symptoms. For patients whose nodules do not resolve, surgery is usually required to remove the vocal cord nodules and restore the voice to normal. (Please use medications under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
55sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord nodules turn into cancer?

Patients with vocal cord nodules usually do not undergo cancerous changes. The main causes of vocal cord nodules are related to improper use of the voice, excessive vocalization, and other factors. The pathological basis for the formation of vocal cord nodules involves edema in the Reinke's layer of the vocal cord mucosa, causing symmetrical hyperplasia of the vocal cords on both sides. The main symptoms in patients are hoarseness and difficulty in producing high-pitched sounds. The primary treatments for patients with vocal cord nodules currently include medication and surgery. Additionally, it is important for patients to protect their voice in daily life, practice voice rest, and reduce unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption to help prevent the occurrence of vocal cord nodules. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
37sec home-news-image

Is surgery necessary for vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are benign lesions on the vocal cords, primarily characterized by bilateral symmetrical protrusions on the free edge of the vocal cords. These protrusions are small and nodular. The majority of vocal cord nodules do not require surgical intervention and are mainly treated with medication. For those vocal cord nodules that do not improve with medication or voice correction, they may gradually progress to vocal cord polyps or other lesions. Only after an assessment deems surgery appropriate, is surgery considered. Overall, vocal cord nodules do not require surgical treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

Do vocal cord nodules require surgery?

Vocal cord nodules generally do not require surgery, and most patients consider conservative treatment. Conservative treatment is mainly divided into two aspects. The first is voice training, which involves standardized voice training under the guidance of a professional voice doctor. This treatment method is non-invasive, and the overall effect is generally good. The second is pharmacological treatment, which currently mainly involves oral traditional Chinese medicine, and may also consider combining with nebulized drugs for comprehensive treatment. Most patients can achieve effective control and relief. If conservative treatment is not effective and symptoms like hoarseness are particularly pronounced, surgery might be considered, and regular follow-ups are needed after surgery to avoid overuse of the voice.