Treatment methods for vocal cord nodules

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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The treatment is primarily divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Generally, conservative treatment is implemented first. The main strategy of conservative treatment is vocal rest, which entails speaking as little as possible, typically for a duration of two to four weeks. Concurrently, medication is administered, often through nebulized inhalation therapy. The second approach is surgical treatment, which is considered if the conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, or if the condition worsens. At this point, surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules is typically performed using support laryngoscopy, microscopy, and either laser or fiber instruments to remove the vocal cord nodules. Post-surgery, a period of vocal rest is necessary for recovery, also lasting two to four weeks. During the recovery period, it is important to speak less, use proper phonation, avoid smoking and alcohol, follow a light diet, and steer clear of spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Scraping therapy is effective for vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules are ineffective with scraping therapy. Vocal cord nodules are bilateral vocal fold lesions caused by improper voice use over long periods, excessive strain, loud yelling, or irritation from gastric acid reflux. They can cause persistent hoarseness in the patient, progressively worsening over time. If a patient experiences long-term hoarseness without improvement, it is essential to undergo an examination with an electronic laryngoscope at a hospital. This can reveal a symmetrical, smooth-surfaced, protein-based abnormal growth at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal folds, which results in hoarseness. Treatment requires surgical intervention, as scraping therapy is ineffective. The procedure involves the removal of the vocal cord nodules under general anesthesia with a surgical laryngoscope. Post-surgery, antibiotics are used to prevent local infection and recovery is typically within about a week for hospital discharge.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted for vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules primarily require attention to speaking less and proper pronunciation as these measures address the causes of vocal cord nodules, which are due to excessive speaking and improper voicing. Therefore, these two factors need to be carefully considered. Additionally, in daily life, it's important to avoid environments with smoke and alcohol; do not smoke or inhale secondhand smoke. In terms of diet, consume light meals and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Emotionally, do not be hasty and especially avoid yelling, as there is a significant relationship between vocal cord nodules and emotional agitation or impatience.