Can vocal cord nodules heal by themselves?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 08, 2024
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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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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
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Can vocal cord nodules be cured by taking medicine?

Vocal cord nodules are benign occupying lesions occurring on the free edge of our bilateral vocal cords, and they mainly manifest clinically as progressive hoarseness. Clinically, treatment primarily involves medication. The main treatments are some traditional Chinese medicines that clear the throat, such as Huang's Resounding Pills, and some corticosteroid medications can also be used. In addition to medication, clinical treatment of vocal cord nodules also involves attention to proper vocalization techniques and avoiding the misuse of the voice. With a combination of these methods, the vast majority of cases can be cured, meaning that through medication and proper vocal techniques, most can be healed.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to treat vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are caused by improper, prolonged use of the voice, excessive strain, or shouting loudly, resulting in bilateral vocal cord lesions. They can lead to persistent hoarseness in patients, with intermittent exacerbations. Vocal cord nodules cause incomplete closure of the glottis. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope reveals symmetrical, pale, nodular protrusions on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. In terms of treatment, vocal cord nodules can initially be managed conservatively. This involves complete vocal rest for one week, combined with nebulized inhalations to reduce local congestion and edema. After one week, if there is no improvement and the nodules persist, the patient may require excision surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and patients typically recover and are discharged within a week after the operation.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Will there be a change in voice after vocal cord nodule surgery?

Vocal cord nodules commonly develop symmetrically at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords. After the surgery for this condition, the hoarseness in the voice might initially worsen compared to before the surgery, particularly during the recovery period. After the surgery, it's crucial to rest the voice, meaning speaking less. Voice rest also includes proper phonation, which entails speaking correctly or not at all. It is advised to limit speaking to no more than five sentences per day. Moreover, during recovery, the voice may initially sound more hoarse than before the surgery but it should return to a state similar to that before the surgery once fully recovered. If after the surgery and subsequent recovery, the voice does not vary significantly from its pre-surgery state, this is generally the expected outcome. However, it isn't guaranteed 100%, as variations can occur depending on whether adequate voice rest was taken and whether proper phonation techniques were employed post-surgery.