Do vocal cord nodules require surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 23, 2025
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Vocal cord nodules generally do not require surgery, and most patients consider conservative treatment. Conservative treatment is mainly divided into two aspects. The first is voice training, which involves standardized voice training under the guidance of a professional voice doctor. This treatment method is non-invasive, and the overall effect is generally good. The second is pharmacological treatment, which currently mainly involves oral traditional Chinese medicine, and may also consider combining with nebulized drugs for comprehensive treatment. Most patients can achieve effective control and relief. If conservative treatment is not effective and symptoms like hoarseness are particularly pronounced, surgery might be considered, and regular follow-ups are needed after surgery to avoid overuse of the voice.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to effectively treat vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it initially requires a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, conservative treatment is considered, commonly involving oral traditional Chinese medicine and nebulization therapy. Alongside medication, it's important to avoid excessive use of the voice and to engage in vocal rehabilitation training. Most patients will see gradual improvement in symptoms of hoarseness through these conservative treatments, and nodules may also gradually diminish in some cases. If standardized conservative treatments are ineffective and the symptoms of hoarseness are particularly severe, a small number of patients may consider surgical intervention.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Can vocal cord nodules heal by themselves?

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 Rui
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative precautions for vocal cord nodules

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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord nodules require surgery?

Vocal cord nodules refer to symmetrical nodular elevations that appear on the free edges of both vocal cords. These nodules are mostly grain-like or granular protrusions. Vocal cord nodules are often caused by incorrect pronunciation, overuse of the voice, or screaming loudly, which are inappropriate vocal habits. Generally, most vocal cord nodules will disappear on their own after resting the voice, speaking less, and using the voice correctly. Therefore, as explained above, vocal cord nodules do not require surgical treatment. Surgery is only necessary if the vocal cord nodules continue to develop uncontrollably, evolving into vocal cord polyps or other pathological changes.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Are vocal cord nodules prone to recurrence?

Vocal cord nodules are symmetrical nodular protuberances on the free edges of both vocal cords. Clinically, vocal cord nodules are mainly related to improper use of the voice and are prone to recurrence. Recurrence factors primarily involve inappropriate voice use, voice abuse, and other irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, chili peppers, and other spicy foods, as well as frequent recurring upper respiratory infections. Therefore, clinically, in addition to medication, such as drugs that clear the throat and benefit the voice, attention should also be paid to diet structure and normal voice use to avoid excessive voice abuse.