Postoperative precautions for vocal cord nodules

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 12, 2025
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After vocal cord nodule surgery, attention should be paid to the following aspects:

The first is regular follow-ups. Generally speaking, after surgery, it is necessary to regularly check through indirect laryngoscopy and fiberoptic laryngoscopy. The main purpose is to observe the specific recovery situation, especially to check for any related surgical complications or recurrence.

The second is the need for vocal rest, especially during the first week after surgery. Try to avoid talking as much as possible and do more deep breathing, because excessive use of the voice can affect the postoperative recovery and easily cause hoarseness.

Moreover, it is necessary to check the pathology results. After vocal cord nodule surgery, a pathological biopsy is required. If the pathological slice is benign, regular follow-ups are generally sufficient. If the pathology shows other characteristics, or if it is malignant, further examinations and treatments might be necessary.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Treatment methods for vocal cord nodules

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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In treatment, most patients may not require surgery. Generally, it is recommended to first visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the vocal cord nodules. If the nodules are small and the symptoms of hoarseness are not particularly severe, treatment usually involves conservative medication, commonly oral medications and nebulization therapy. In addition, voice rehabilitation training can be conducted. Many patients experience gradual improvement in voice hoarseness and reduction of the vocal cord nodules through this treatment. Some patients may even see the nodules disappear, but regular follow-up visits are necessary as there is a possibility of recurrence.

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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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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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Can vocal cord nodules be treated with medication?

Vocal cord nodules are small, dot-like or nodular protrusions occurring on the free edges of both vocal cords. These protrusions are quite small, and are primarily diagnosed using an electronic laryngoscope in clinical settings. For the treatment of vocal cord nodules, we can use certain medications, such as Huang's Resonant Voice Pills and Qingyin Sanjie Pills, which generally have relatively good effects. However, in clinical practice, we cannot rely solely on medication to treat vocal cord nodules. It is fundamental in the treatment of vocal cord nodules to avoid misuse of the voice. Attention must be paid to the training of correct pronunciation methods. Only through such measures can vocal cord nodules be fully treated, preventing recurrence or further development into vocal cord polyps.