Do vocal cord nodules require surgery?

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

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord nodules drink alcohol?

Vocal cord nodules are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, usually occurring bilaterally and symmetrically. The main clinical symptom is hoarseness. Individuals with vocal cord nodules should avoid alcohol, as drinking can cause the vocal cord mucosa to become congested and swollen, exacerbating vocal cord nodules or chronic inflammation, and worsening the condition. Additionally, alcohol can directly irritate the vocal cords because it is a spicy and irritating substance. Therefore, it is advised not to drink alcohol when you have vocal cord nodules. It is also important to avoid abusing the voice, which includes refraining from long periods of speaking and not screaming loudly. These precautions need to be adhered to.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules are caused by what?

Vocal cord nodules are mainly caused by improper speaking, excessive speaking, emotional excitement, and shouting. The most common symptom of vocal cord nodules is a hoarse voice. This condition is often seen in people who speak a lot, such as teachers, salespeople, and singers. These include individuals who tend to shout, are impatient, and speak improperly. Such cases are commonly seen in clinics, especially among children. For example, children who shout and speak carelessly at school during the semester may develop vocal cord nodules with hoarseness as a symptom. Additionally, emotionally excitable and impatient people can develop nodules. Some grandparents, who often yell at their children at home, also tend to develop vocal cord nodules. In summary, those who speak too much, shout, mispronounce sounds, or are emotionally excitable are at risk of developing vocal cord nodules.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Are vocal cord nodules prone to recurrence?

Vocal cord nodules are symmetrical nodular protuberances on the free edges of both vocal cords. Clinically, vocal cord nodules are mainly related to improper use of the voice and are prone to recurrence. Recurrence factors primarily involve inappropriate voice use, voice abuse, and other irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, chili peppers, and other spicy foods, as well as frequent recurring upper respiratory infections. Therefore, clinically, in addition to medication, such as drugs that clear the throat and benefit the voice, attention should also be paid to diet structure and normal voice use to avoid excessive voice abuse.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to treat vocal cord nodules?

The main symptom of vocal cord nodules is a hoarse voice, and some people often experience coughing. The cause of vocal cord nodules is related to excessive talking or improper use of the voice, such as in occupations like teachers, salespeople, and singers. Besides voice therapy, another treatment option is nebulizer inhalation, which is used to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used medications include corticosteroids, such as budesonide for nebulizer inhalation treatment, twice a day, one dose each time, but voice therapy is a prerequisite. Without voice therapy and correct voice usage, treatment with medication alone through nebulizer inhalation will not be effective, and the symptoms will not improve significantly. Some patients with vocal cord nodules do not need medication and can fully recover their normal voice and have the nodules disappear just by proper voice therapy and resting the voice for a period. Therefore, voice therapy is the best treatment for this condition.

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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.