How to treat vocal cord nodules

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are typically located at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of both vocal cords, featuring symmetrical nodular protrusions. They are more commonly found in individuals who use their voices professionally, such as singers, teachers, or other vocations that involve frequent shouting, as well as in children. Prolonged or improper use of the voice is a major cause of this condition. Therefore, during treatment, voice rest is primarily advised. Early stage vocal cord nodules can spontaneously resolve with sufficient vocal rest, and nodules in children often disappear naturally during puberty. Additionally, medication can be used for treatment, such as traditional Chinese medicines, including Jin Sang San Jie Wan and Kai Yin Pills. If conservative treatment fails, surgical removal of the vocal cord nodules under fiberoptic laryngoscopy can be performed, followed by a two-week voice rest period. Post-surgery, it is recommended to inhale medicated vapors, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and refrain from excessive voice use or shouting.

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

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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
1min 17sec home-news-image

How to treat vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are typically located at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of both vocal cords, featuring symmetrical nodular protrusions. They are more commonly found in individuals who use their voices professionally, such as singers, teachers, or other vocations that involve frequent shouting, as well as in children. Prolonged or improper use of the voice is a major cause of this condition. Therefore, during treatment, voice rest is primarily advised. Early stage vocal cord nodules can spontaneously resolve with sufficient vocal rest, and nodules in children often disappear naturally during puberty. Additionally, medication can be used for treatment, such as traditional Chinese medicines, including Jin Sang San Jie Wan and Kai Yin Pills. If conservative treatment fails, surgical removal of the vocal cord nodules under fiberoptic laryngoscopy can be performed, followed by a two-week voice rest period. Post-surgery, it is recommended to inhale medicated vapors, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and refrain from excessive voice use or shouting.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules be treated with acupuncture?

Vocal cord nodules are bilateral symmetrical benign protrusions that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords, and these protrusions are very small. Clinically, treatment is mainly through medication and primarily through vocal rest, which means speaking less. Thus, vocal cord nodules generally do not require treatment with acupuncture, as acupuncture does not have a significant effect on vocal cord nodules. However, if the vocal cord nodules are accompanied by other factors, the acupuncture treatment is for those other factors and not an indication for the vocal cord nodules. In summary, vocal cord nodules do not need acupuncture treatment, and acupuncture does not have much effect on vocal cord nodules.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In treatment, most patients may not require surgery. Generally, it is recommended to first visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the vocal cord nodules. If the nodules are small and the symptoms of hoarseness are not particularly severe, treatment usually involves conservative medication, commonly oral medications and nebulization therapy. In addition, voice rehabilitation training can be conducted. Many patients experience gradual improvement in voice hoarseness and reduction of the vocal cord nodules through this treatment. Some patients may even see the nodules disappear, but regular follow-up visits are necessary as there is a possibility of recurrence.

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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.