Scraping therapy is effective for vocal cord nodules

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 29, 2024
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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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord nodules require hospitalization?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition, generally not requiring hospitalization. Initially, it is recommended to visit an ENT outpatient clinic for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Treatment usually involves outpatient medication, commonly using nebulization therapy, in combination with oral traditional Chinese medicine and vocal rehabilitation training. With these treatments, the condition gradually improves. For a small portion of patients with severe vocal cord nodules and significant hoarseness, if conservative treatment does not relieve symptoms, hospitalization and surgery may be considered.

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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.