Treatment methods for vocal cord nodules

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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The treatment is primarily divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Generally, conservative treatment is implemented first. The main strategy of conservative treatment is vocal rest, which entails speaking as little as possible, typically for a duration of two to four weeks. Concurrently, medication is administered, often through nebulized inhalation therapy. The second approach is surgical treatment, which is considered if the conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, or if the condition worsens. At this point, surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules is typically performed using support laryngoscopy, microscopy, and either laser or fiber instruments to remove the vocal cord nodules. Post-surgery, a period of vocal rest is necessary for recovery, also lasting two to four weeks. During the recovery period, it is important to speak less, use proper phonation, avoid smoking and alcohol, follow a light diet, and steer clear of spicy and irritating foods.

Other Voices

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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules are caused by what?

Vocal cord nodules are mainly caused by improper speaking, excessive speaking, emotional excitement, and shouting. The most common symptom of vocal cord nodules is a hoarse voice. This condition is often seen in people who speak a lot, such as teachers, salespeople, and singers. These include individuals who tend to shout, are impatient, and speak improperly. Such cases are commonly seen in clinics, especially among children. For example, children who shout and speak carelessly at school during the semester may develop vocal cord nodules with hoarseness as a symptom. Additionally, emotionally excitable and impatient people can develop nodules. Some grandparents, who often yell at their children at home, also tend to develop vocal cord nodules. In summary, those who speak too much, shout, mispronounce sounds, or are emotionally excitable are at risk of developing vocal cord nodules.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat fish with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules who do not have an allergic constitution can eat fish. Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring bilaterally and symmetrically, mainly characterized by hoarseness. Their development is primarily associated with improper voice usage or long-term vocal abuse. For vocal cord nodules, patients are advised to talk less and maintain a light diet. Patients with vocal cord nodules can eat fish, but we must prevent some patients from doing so because some of them have an allergic constitution. Fish is a high-protein food, and consuming it may trigger allergic reactions in these patients. The onset of an allergic reaction can also lead to congestion and swelling of the vocal cord mucosa, further worsening the hoarseness and aggravating the condition of the vocal cord nodules. Therefore, it is best for these patients to avoid eating fish.

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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.