Early symptoms of vocal cord nodules

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 16, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
56sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord nodules cause a sore throat?

Vocal cord nodules do not cause sore throats. The symptoms of vocal cord nodules mainly manifest as hoarseness. Some patients experience episodic hoarseness, while others have persistent hoarseness. Moreover, the symptoms of hoarseness become more noticeable after excessive voice use. Some patients may also have laryngitis, which could lead to throat pain. Therefore, upon detecting vocal cord nodules, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology clinic. An examination using a laryngoscope and routine blood tests can be conducted to assess the severity of the condition. Most patients can consider conservative treatment with medications; commonly used treatments include oral traditional Chinese medicine, combined with nebulization, and concurrent vocal rehabilitation training. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord nodules be cured completely?

Vocal cord nodules can be cured. The occurrence of vocal cord nodules is mainly related to improper or excessive use of the voice, most commonly seen in professions such as teachers or singers. Prolonged use of the voice can lead to the formation of nodular growths on the surface of the vocal cord mucosa, causing hoarseness and difficulty in producing high-pitched sounds. For patients with vocal cord nodules, if the occurrence is relatively recent, symptomatic treatment can be administered through oral medications that reduce stasis and swelling. If the nodules do not resolve after medication use, it is advisable to surgically remove the nodules via a supportive laryngoscopy. Post-surgery, it is important to take care of the voice, including voice rest, to allow the vocal cord mucosa to recover. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 1sec home-news-image

What should I do if vocal cord nodules recur?

Vocal cord nodules, if recurrent, must be treated surgically. The causes of vocal cord nodules are numerous and include improper or excessive use of the voice, shouting loudly, and irritation from acid reflux, leading to bilateral vocal cord lesions. This condition can cause the patient to have persistent hoarseness. If a patient experiences prolonged hoarseness, they must visit a hospital to undergo a laryngoscopic examination to determine the cause. Vocal cord nodules typically occur at the anterior middle third of both vocal cords, where patients may observe a pale white, symmetric, smooth-surfaced abnormal growth. In terms of treatment, surgery is necessary as medication is ineffective. The procedure involves the removal of the vocal cord nodules under a support laryngoscope, requiring hospitalization and general anesthesia. Post-surgery, antibiotics are used to prevent local infections, and patients can usually recover and be discharged within about a week.