Can vocal cord nodules cause a sore throat?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 16, 2025
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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.)

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to maintain vocal cord nodules in daily life?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common vocal cord disease, mainly characterized by nodular neoplasms at the anterior part of one or both vocal cords. The most common clinical symptom is hoarseness, which, overall, is relatively common and not a major threat to health. For daily maintenance, it is important to use the voice reasonably; excessive use should be avoided as it can aggravate hoarseness and inhibit the recovery of vocal cord nodules. Dietary habits also need to be managed; avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. In terms of treatment, oral medication and nebulization therapy are primarily used, along with recommended voice training, which can be more beneficial for recovery.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord nodules hurt?

Vocal cord nodules are symmetric, benign protrusions that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Clinically, the main symptoms of vocal cord nodules include a hoarse voice and fatigue after prolonged speaking, typically without any sensation of pain or causing any pain. Treatment primarily involves medication, voice therapy, and for some vocal cord nodules that appear after an acute upper respiratory infection, hormonal treatment may be required, or combined with some antibiotics. In summary, vocal cord nodules do not cause painful symptoms, and treatment focuses mainly on voice training and rest for the vocal cords.

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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 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.