Early symptoms of vocal cord nodules

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules atomization effect

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. The primary clinical symptoms are hoarseness. In terms of treatment, nebulization can be considered. Most patients respond well to nebulization, which can significantly improve hoarseness. Some patients may experience a gradual reduction in the nodules, but individual differences exist. For some patients, nebulization alone may not be effective, and they may need to combine it with oral medication. Regular laryngoscopic check-ups are necessary during the treatment process to monitor changes in the nodules. A small number of patients, who do not respond well to conservative treatments, might require surgical removal, but there is still a possibility of recurrence after surgery. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord nodules drink alcohol?

Vocal cord nodules are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, usually occurring bilaterally and symmetrically. The main clinical symptom is hoarseness. Individuals with vocal cord nodules should avoid alcohol, as drinking can cause the vocal cord mucosa to become congested and swollen, exacerbating vocal cord nodules or chronic inflammation, and worsening the condition. Additionally, alcohol can directly irritate the vocal cords because it is a spicy and irritating substance. Therefore, it is advised not to drink alcohol when you have vocal cord nodules. It is also important to avoid abusing the voice, which includes refraining from long periods of speaking and not screaming loudly. These precautions need to be adhered to.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules be cured completely?

Vocal cord nodules can be cured. The occurrence of vocal cord nodules is mainly related to improper or excessive use of the voice, most commonly seen in professions such as teachers or singers. Prolonged use of the voice can lead to the formation of nodular growths on the surface of the vocal cord mucosa, causing hoarseness and difficulty in producing high-pitched sounds. For patients with vocal cord nodules, if the occurrence is relatively recent, symptomatic treatment can be administered through oral medications that reduce stasis and swelling. If the nodules do not resolve after medication use, it is advisable to surgically remove the nodules via a supportive laryngoscopy. Post-surgery, it is important to take care of the voice, including voice rest, to allow the vocal cord mucosa to recover. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Will the voice change due to vocal cord nodules get better?

After surgery for vocal cord nodules, the voice will definitely improve and will not cause persistent hoarseness. Vocal cord nodules are vocal cord lesions caused by improper use of the voice over a long time, such as loud shouting or fatigue, and are commonly seen in teachers and singers. They can cause persistent hoarseness in patients and progressively worsen. Generally, vocal cord nodules occur bilaterally. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope reveals a symmetrical, pale white, smooth-surfaced neoplasm in the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, with good vocal cord mobility and incomplete closure of the glottis. In terms of treatment, patients need to undergo vocal cord nodule removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization under general anesthesia, and patients can usually recover and be discharged a week after surgery.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules voice repair how many days

Vocal cord nodules must be completely silenced for one week. Vocal cord nodules are caused by long-term improper use of voice, loud fatigue, and excessive shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. Usually, it involves both vocal cords. This condition causes persistent hoarseness in the patient. An examination with an electronic laryngoscope can reveal a symmetrical, smooth-surfaced neoplasm at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, causing persistent hoarseness in the patient. In terms of treatment, the patient needs to undergo vocal cord nodule removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires inpatient general anesthesia, postoperative use of antibiotics, and complete voice rest for a week to prevent recurrence after surgery. Postoperatively, the patient also needs to follow a light diet, abstain from smoking and drinking, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. If hoarseness is noticed, an electronic laryngoscopy check is mandatory at the hospital. If there is a recurrence, further local surgical treatment is needed.