Will having surgery on vocal cord nodules be effective?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 10, 2025
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Vocal cord nodules generally are not first considered for surgery, as the preferred treatment for vocal cord nodules is medication, or voice training and rehabilitation. Surgery is not the first choice, because many patients can gradually recover their voices and improve hoarseness through medication or voice training, and the effects are generally satisfactory for most patients. Surgery is only considered if the standard medication treatment is ineffective and the hoarseness is particularly severe. Overall, this surgery is considered minimally invasive and does not pose significant health risks. Moreover, after the removal of the nodules, most patients will see a clear improvement in their symptoms of hoarseness. However, regular follow-ups are necessary to prevent recurrence of the nodules. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
56sec home-news-image

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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What nebulization is used for vocal cord nodules?

Nebulized inhalation is very effective in treating vocal cord nodules. It requires the use of corticosteroids, as corticosteroids can reduce congestion and edema on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, which is helpful for the recovery of vocal cord nodules. Vocal cord nodules are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice over a long period, loud and strenuous talking, and irritation from gastric acid reflux, leading to congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the vocal cord surface mucosa. Patients may experience persistent hoarseness that progressively worsens. Vocal cord nodules are generally bilateral. Examination with a laryngoscope can reveal pale, granular neoplasms at the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords. Conservative treatment, such as nebulized inhalation, can be very effective initially. Voice rest, or refraining from speaking, is also necessary. If conservative treatment is ineffective, local surgical excision may be required for a cure.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Early symptoms of vocal cord nodules

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.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
56sec home-news-image

Will having surgery on vocal cord nodules be effective?

Vocal cord nodules generally are not first considered for surgery, as the preferred treatment for vocal cord nodules is medication, or voice training and rehabilitation. Surgery is not the first choice, because many patients can gradually recover their voices and improve hoarseness through medication or voice training, and the effects are generally satisfactory for most patients. Surgery is only considered if the standard medication treatment is ineffective and the hoarseness is particularly severe. Overall, this surgery is considered minimally invasive and does not pose significant health risks. Moreover, after the removal of the nodules, most patients will see a clear improvement in their symptoms of hoarseness. However, regular follow-ups are necessary to prevent recurrence of the nodules. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)