What are the symptoms of vocal cord nodules?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on July 01, 2025
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The symptoms of vocal cord nodules vary among individuals, but generally, it is considered a common condition. Clinically, it can cause hoarseness of voice. Most patients primarily experience recurrent or episodic hoarseness, particularly after excessive voice use, when the hoarseness becomes more pronounced. However, some patients with unilateral or bilateral vocal cord nodules may not exhibit obvious hoarseness and might show no clinical signs at all. They may only be discovered during a physical examination or a laryngoscopic examination. Overall, vocal cord nodules do not pose a significant health risk. Treatment mainly involves oral medication and nebulization therapy, along with vocal training. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules, also known as singer's nodules, are typically located at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of both vocal cords, featuring symmetrical nodular protrusions. They are more commonly found in individuals who use their voices professionally, such as singers, teachers, or other vocations that involve frequent shouting, as well as in children. Prolonged or improper use of the voice is a major cause of this condition. Therefore, during treatment, voice rest is primarily advised. Early stage vocal cord nodules can spontaneously resolve with sufficient vocal rest, and nodules in children often disappear naturally during puberty. Additionally, medication can be used for treatment, such as traditional Chinese medicines, including Jin Sang San Jie Wan and Kai Yin Pills. If conservative treatment fails, surgical removal of the vocal cord nodules under fiberoptic laryngoscopy can be performed, followed by a two-week voice rest period. Post-surgery, it is recommended to inhale medicated vapors, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and refrain from excessive voice use or shouting.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is scraping effective for vocal cord nodules?

Scraping therapy is ineffective for vocal cord nodules and serves no purpose. Vocal cord nodules are bilateral vocal cord lesions caused by prolonged improper voice use, excessive strain, loud yelling, and irritation from acid reflux. These nodules can result in incomplete closure of the vocal cords, leading to a hoarse voice. If a patient experiences long-term hoarseness, they must go to a hospital for an examination with a video laryngoscope. This can reveal a symmetrical, smooth, pale nodule at the anterior middle third of the vocal cords. For treatment, medications and scraping therapy are ineffective for vocal cord nodules. Instead, surgical removal of the nodules under endoscopic guidance is necessary. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics to avoid local infection, with recovery and discharge possible in about a week. Patients also need to completely rest their voice for a week after surgery to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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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.