What should I do if the vocal cord nodules become fibrotic?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 29, 2024
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Vocal cord nodules fibrosis is relatively common. Firstly, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. If the symptoms of hoarseness are not very pronounced and the vocal cord nodules are small, it is recommended to rest the voice and avoid excessive use of the voice, with regular follow-ups. If the vocal cord nodules are larger and accompanied by hoarseness, it may be necessary to consider oral medication and nebulization treatment. During the treatment process, laryngoscopy should be repeatedly done to monitor changes in the nodules. A small number of patients may require surgical removal if conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results.

Other Voices

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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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Treatment methods for vocal cord nodules

The treatment is primarily divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Generally, conservative treatment is implemented first. The main strategy of conservative treatment is vocal rest, which entails speaking as little as possible, typically for a duration of two to four weeks. Concurrently, medication is administered, often through nebulized inhalation therapy. The second approach is surgical treatment, which is considered if the conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, or if the condition worsens. At this point, surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules is typically performed using support laryngoscopy, microscopy, and either laser or fiber instruments to remove the vocal cord nodules. Post-surgery, a period of vocal rest is necessary for recovery, also lasting two to four weeks. During the recovery period, it is important to speak less, use proper phonation, avoid smoking and alcohol, follow a light diet, and steer clear of spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules physical therapy

Vocal cord nodules are a common and frequent otolaryngological disorder, often found in professions that require excessive voice use, such as teachers, salespeople, and singers. These nodules typically grow symmetrically on the anterior-middle third of the vocal cords, with intermittent hoarseness as the main symptom. A definitive diagnosis can be made using a laryngoscope. Effective treatment for vocal cord nodules includes voice rest, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as cold drinks, and taking care to protect the voice in daily use. Oral medications that invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis can be used to improve symptoms. For patients whose nodules do not resolve, surgery is usually required to remove the vocal cord nodules and restore the voice to normal. (Please use medications under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat fish with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules who do not have an allergic constitution can eat fish. Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring bilaterally and symmetrically, mainly characterized by hoarseness. Their development is primarily associated with improper voice usage or long-term vocal abuse. For vocal cord nodules, patients are advised to talk less and maintain a light diet. Patients with vocal cord nodules can eat fish, but we must prevent some patients from doing so because some of them have an allergic constitution. Fish is a high-protein food, and consuming it may trigger allergic reactions in these patients. The onset of an allergic reaction can also lead to congestion and swelling of the vocal cord mucosa, further worsening the hoarseness and aggravating the condition of the vocal cord nodules. Therefore, it is best for these patients to avoid eating fish.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How should vocal cord nodules be treated?

The treatment of vocal cord nodules mainly prioritizes conservative management, focusing on pharmacotherapy and simultaneously recommending voice training. Regarding medications, oral traditional Chinese medicines are commonly used, along with inhaled corticosteroids, generally requiring one to two weeks of treatment. Additionally, voice training is necessary to avoid excessive voice use, as it can exacerbate symptoms of hoarseness and lead to recurrent vocal cord nodules. If standardized medication treatments fail and severe hoarseness prevails, a small proportion of patients might consider undergoing vocal cord nodule removal surgery under laryngoscopy. Overall, surgery is not the first option, but its results are relatively definitive.