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

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I pay attention to for vocal cord nodules usually?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disorder, and there are several aspects to be mindful of in daily life. The first aspect is to avoid excessive use of the voice. Frequent overuse can exacerbate symptoms of hoarseness and potentially worsen the condition of the vocal cord nodules. The second aspect concerns diet; it is advisable to eat lightly and avoid spicy and irritant foods. The third aspect pertains to lifestyle habits; do not smoke or drink alcohol. Both tobacco and alcohol are strong irritants to the mucous membranes and vocal cords, and they can potentially lead to a worsening of the vocal cord nodules.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can I eat seafood with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules can eat seafood, as it does not exacerbate the condition, nor does it generally interact directly with medications used to treat vocal cord nodules, or affect the treatment outcomes. Therefore, it is generally safe for patients with vocal cord nodules to consume seafood. However, it is advised not to eat spicy and irritating foods, and to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. These foods or poor lifestyle habits can significantly impact the condition, potentially worsening it. It is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist for standardized treatment and to have regular follow-ups to monitor the treatment effects.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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 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.