Is scraping effective for vocal cord nodules?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 29, 2025
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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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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 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.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted for vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules primarily require attention to speaking less and proper pronunciation as these measures address the causes of vocal cord nodules, which are due to excessive speaking and improper voicing. Therefore, these two factors need to be carefully considered. Additionally, in daily life, it's important to avoid environments with smoke and alcohol; do not smoke or inhale secondhand smoke. In terms of diet, consume light meals and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Emotionally, do not be hasty and especially avoid yelling, as there is a significant relationship between vocal cord nodules and emotional agitation or impatience.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules be cured by resting the voice?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngologic disease. After resting the voice, the condition of the vocal cord nodules may improve, and the symptom of hoarseness may also get better. However, resting the voice alone cannot completely cure the condition. Patients with vocal cord nodules need to visit an otolaryngology clinic after the onset of the disease. It is advisable to undergo a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, it may be considered to take prescribed Chinese patent medicine and undergo atomization treatment. During the treatment process, regular follow-up visits are necessary to check the effectiveness of the treatment. A small number of patients might also need to consider surgical treatment.