Will the voice change due to vocal cord nodules get better?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 13, 2024
00:00
00:00

After surgery for vocal cord nodules, the voice will definitely improve and will not cause persistent hoarseness. Vocal cord nodules are vocal cord lesions caused by improper use of the voice over a long time, such as loud shouting or fatigue, and are commonly seen in teachers and singers. They can cause persistent hoarseness in patients and progressively worsen. Generally, vocal cord nodules occur bilaterally. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope reveals a symmetrical, pale white, smooth-surfaced neoplasm in the anterior-middle third of both vocal cords, with good vocal cord mobility and incomplete closure of the glottis. In terms of treatment, patients need to undergo vocal cord nodule removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization under general anesthesia, and patients can usually recover and be discharged a week after surgery.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord nodules be cured by taking medicine?

Vocal cord nodules are benign occupying lesions occurring on the free edge of our bilateral vocal cords, and they mainly manifest clinically as progressive hoarseness. Clinically, treatment primarily involves medication. The main treatments are some traditional Chinese medicines that clear the throat, such as Huang's Resounding Pills, and some corticosteroid medications can also be used. In addition to medication, clinical treatment of vocal cord nodules also involves attention to proper vocalization techniques and avoiding the misuse of the voice. With a combination of these methods, the vast majority of cases can be cured, meaning that through medication and proper vocal techniques, most can be healed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
51sec home-news-image

Vocal cord nodules atomization effect

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. The primary clinical symptoms are hoarseness. In terms of treatment, nebulization can be considered. Most patients respond well to nebulization, which can significantly improve hoarseness. Some patients may experience a gradual reduction in the nodules, but individual differences exist. For some patients, nebulization alone may not be effective, and they may need to combine it with oral medication. Regular laryngoscopic check-ups are necessary during the treatment process to monitor changes in the nodules. A small number of patients, who do not respond well to conservative treatments, might require surgical removal, but there is still a possibility of recurrence after surgery. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
55sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

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.