Can vocal cord nodules be cured by taking medicine?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Can vocal cord nodules heal by themselves?

Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, typically involve symmetrical nodular protrusions at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of both vocal cords. This condition is commonly seen in individuals who use their voices professionally or excessively, such as actors, teachers, individuals in vocations that require shouting, and children. The primary cause of this condition is attributed to long-term excessive or improper use of the voice. Early stage vocal cord nodules can disappear by allowing the vocal cords to rest sufficiently through voice rest; in children, vocal cord nodules might disappear after puberty. If these nodules do not resolve with conservative treatment and voice rest, medical treatment or surgery may be necessary.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Early symptoms of vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, typically present as symmetrical nodular protrusions at the junction of the anterior and middle one-thirds of the vocal cords, with a relatively broad base. The main symptom is hoarseness of voice. Initially, the hoarseness is mild, characterized by a rough voice or nearly normal voice, such as when the voice is overused and feels fatigued, leading to intermittent bouts of hoarseness. Over time, the symptom of hoarseness worsens, progressing from intermittent to persistent hoarseness, affecting singers who cannot sing and teachers who are unable to teach. Examination with a laryngoscope may reveal small nodular protrusions on the anterior-middle one-third of the vocal cords, with incomplete closure of the glottis.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if conservative treatment for vocal cord nodules is not effective?

Vocal cord nodules are nodular lesions located at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, primarily caused by excessive speaking and incorrect pronunciation, commonly seen in individuals who overuse their voice. The main treatment approach begins with conservative management, which crucially requires voice rest as a fundamental condition, supplemented by medication. Common medications include nebulized inhalation therapy and some traditional Chinese medicines. If conservative treatment fails to achieve satisfactory results after six months, surgical intervention should be proactively considered rather than continuing observation. Prolonged vocal cord nodules, if not effectively managed conservatively, could potentially develop into vocal cord polyps, exacerbating the condition, thus necessitating surgical treatment. Therefore, if conservative treatment proves ineffective over six months, it is advisable to opt for early surgical intervention, which involves less trauma and yields better recovery.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of cancerous changes in vocal cord nodules

The possibility of malignant transformation of vocal cord nodules is very small. If cancerous transformation occurs, the patient will experience persistent hoarseness, as well as symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, persistent cough, and blood in the sputum. Vocal cord nodules are caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting, or long-term irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. If patients do not undergo surgical treatment, the vocal cord nodules may continue to enlarge and undergo cellular mutations, leading to malignancy. At this point, patients may find cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers on the surface of the vocal cords. They will experience hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. At this stage, it is necessary to perform a local biopsy. If a malignant tumor is confirmed, localized surgical treatment can lead to improvement.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What nebulization is used for vocal cord nodules?

Nebulized inhalation is very effective in treating vocal cord nodules. It requires the use of corticosteroids, as corticosteroids can reduce congestion and edema on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, which is helpful for the recovery of vocal cord nodules. Vocal cord nodules are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice over a long period, loud and strenuous talking, and irritation from gastric acid reflux, leading to congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the vocal cord surface mucosa. Patients may experience persistent hoarseness that progressively worsens. Vocal cord nodules are generally bilateral. Examination with a laryngoscope can reveal pale, granular neoplasms at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords. Conservative treatment, such as nebulized inhalation, can be very effective initially. Voice rest, or refraining from speaking, is also necessary. If conservative treatment is ineffective, local surgical excision may be required for a cure.