Is surgery necessary for vocal cord nodules?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 08, 2024

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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 Rui

Otolaryngology

56sec

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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 Li Rui

Otolaryngology

45sec

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How to maintain vocal cord nodules in daily life?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common vocal cord disease, mainly characterized by nodular neoplasms at the anterior part of one or both vocal cords. The most common clinical symptom is hoarseness, which, overall, is relatively common and not a major threat to health. For daily maintenance, it is important to use the voice reasonably; excessive use should be avoided as it can aggravate hoarseness and inhibit the recovery of vocal cord nodules. Dietary habits also need to be managed; avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. In terms of treatment, oral medication and nebulization therapy are primarily used, along with recommended voice training, which can be more beneficial for recovery.

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 7sec

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Is scraping effective for vocal cord nodules?

Scraping therapy is ineffective for vocal cord nodules and serves no purpose. Vocal cord nodules are bilateral vocal cord lesions caused by prolonged improper voice use, excessive strain, loud yelling, and irritation from acid reflux. These nodules can result in incomplete closure of the vocal cords, leading to a hoarse voice. If a patient experiences long-term hoarseness, they must go to a hospital for an examination with a video laryngoscope. This can reveal a symmetrical, smooth, pale nodule at the anterior middle third of the vocal cords. For treatment, medications and scraping therapy are ineffective for vocal cord nodules. Instead, surgical removal of the nodules under endoscopic guidance is necessary. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics to avoid local infection, with recovery and discharge possible in about a week. Patients also need to completely rest their voice for a week after surgery to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

1min 3sec

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Conservative treatment methods for vocal cord nodules

Conservative treatment methods for vocal cord nodules mainly include voice rest and medication support. The underlying cause of vocal cord nodules is fairly clear, often due to excessive talking or improper voicing, and is commonly seen in individuals who speak frequently, such as teachers, salespeople, singers, etc. Therefore, treatment targeting the cause involves speaking less and ensuring voice rest, which should be maintained for about 2-4 weeks. The better the implementation of voice rest, the quicker the recovery. During voice rest, it is also important to have a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and steer clear of environments with smoke and alcohol. Additionally, nebulized inhalation therapy and some traditional Chinese medicines can be used to support treatment effectiveness. Commonly used medications for nebulization include Budesonide, and typical traditional Chinese medicines include Jin Sou San Jie Wan and Jin Sou Qing Yin Wan.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

37sec

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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.