Is surgery necessary for vocal cord nodules?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 08, 2024

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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

56sec

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Dietary precautions for vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are most commonly seen in professions such as teachers, singers, and speakers. These professions generally involve extensive use of the voice, which can lead to the development of bilateral symmetrical nodules on the vocal cords, primarily causing the patient to have a hoarse voice and difficulty continuing with their work. Treatment generally requires surgery, although milder cases may be treated with medication. During and after the treatment, whether surgical or medicinal, attention must be paid to certain lifestyle and dietary practices. Dietary precautions mainly involve avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as reducing smoking and alcohol consumption. In terms of lifestyle, it is important to minimize voice use as much as possible within the first month after surgery to avoid further strain on the vocal cords.

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Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

1min 2sec

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Will there be a change in voice after vocal cord nodule surgery?

Vocal cord nodules commonly develop symmetrically at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords. After the surgery for this condition, the hoarseness in the voice might initially worsen compared to before the surgery, particularly during the recovery period. After the surgery, it's crucial to rest the voice, meaning speaking less. Voice rest also includes proper phonation, which entails speaking correctly or not at all. It is advised to limit speaking to no more than five sentences per day. Moreover, during recovery, the voice may initially sound more hoarse than before the surgery but it should return to a state similar to that before the surgery once fully recovered. If after the surgery and subsequent recovery, the voice does not vary significantly from its pre-surgery state, this is generally the expected outcome. However, it isn't guaranteed 100%, as variations can occur depending on whether adequate voice rest was taken and whether proper phonation techniques were employed post-surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

44sec

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Can vocal cord nodules be cured by taking medicine?

Vocal cord nodules are benign occupying lesions occurring on the free edge of our bilateral vocal cords, and they mainly manifest clinically as progressive hoarseness. Clinically, treatment primarily involves medication. The main treatments are some traditional Chinese medicines that clear the throat, such as Huang's Resounding Pills, and some corticosteroid medications can also be used. In addition to medication, clinical treatment of vocal cord nodules also involves attention to proper vocalization techniques and avoiding the misuse of the voice. With a combination of these methods, the vast majority of cases can be cured, meaning that through medication and proper vocal techniques, most can be healed.

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Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

1min 5sec

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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 Li Rui

Otolaryngology

48sec

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Can you drink honey with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules can drink honey. Honey is a common food that does not exacerbate the condition of vocal cord nodules, nor does it affect the treatment outcome of vocal cord nodules. However, long-term consumption of honey is not recommended due to its high sugar content, which may lead to excessive sugar intake and impact overall health. For patients with vocal cord nodules, it is necessary to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department after the onset of symptoms for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment may include oral medications combined with nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are needed to monitor the effects of the treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)