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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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The best treatment method for vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules are often caused by excessive talking, loud speaking, or overuse of the voice. They are commonly found in individuals who frequently use their voices in their professions, such as salespeople, teachers, and singers. The best treatment approach is to address the root cause, which involves speaking less and using proper vocal techniques. This is the optimal treatment plan. However, this method may not always be effective, as some people, due to their occupational needs, cannot fully achieve vocal rest. If vocal rest does not effectively treat the condition, surgical intervention may then be necessary. During the treatment period, after diagnosing vocal cord nodules, vocal rest is the preferred approach. If vocal rest is ineffective or does not fully resolve the nodules, surgery may be required as a follow-up treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of cancerous changes in vocal cord nodules

The possibility of malignant transformation of vocal cord nodules is very small. If cancerous transformation occurs, the patient will experience persistent hoarseness, as well as symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, persistent cough, and blood in the sputum. Vocal cord nodules are caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting, or long-term irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. If patients do not undergo surgical treatment, the vocal cord nodules may continue to enlarge and undergo cellular mutations, leading to malignancy. At this point, patients may find cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers on the surface of the vocal cords. They will experience hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. At this stage, it is necessary to perform a local biopsy. If a malignant tumor is confirmed, localized surgical treatment can lead to improvement.

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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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How long does it usually take for vocal cord nodules to heal?

Vocal cord nodules are primarily caused by improper pronunciation or overuse of the voice, commonly seen in people who use their voices frequently. Treatment primarily involves vocal rest, which means speaking less and pronouncing correctly. The period of vocal rest usually needs to be relatively long. If the vocal cord nodules are larger, then an even longer period of vocal rest may be required, generally lasting from two to four weeks. Clinically, most cases require four weeks. The effects are generally better after resting for four weeks. During this period, treatment can be complemented with medications, such as nebulized inhalation, which can speed up recovery. The premise is to first undergo vocal rest followed by medication treatment, which generally takes about two to four weeks.

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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.