Can vocal cord nodules be cured by resting the voice?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 30, 2025
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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.

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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is surgery necessary for vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are benign lesions on the vocal cords, primarily characterized by bilateral symmetrical protrusions on the free edge of the vocal cords. These protrusions are small and nodular. The majority of vocal cord nodules do not require surgical intervention and are mainly treated with medication. For those vocal cord nodules that do not improve with medication or voice correction, they may gradually progress to vocal cord polyps or other lesions. Only after an assessment deems surgery appropriate, is surgery considered. Overall, vocal cord nodules do not require surgical treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat fish with vocal cord nodules?

Patients with vocal cord nodules can eat fish, as fish is a common food and it does not have direct side effects or exacerbate existing symptoms related to vocal cord nodules, nor does it conflict with medications used to treat vocal cord nodules. It is recommended that patients with vocal cord nodules adopt a lighter diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and it is advised not to smoke or drink alcohol. Regular check-ups at an otolaryngology department are also recommended. If symptoms like hoarseness occur, it is necessary to combine treatment with traditional Chinese medicine taken orally and nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular check-ups are required to observe the treatment effects, and a small number of patients may need surgical treatment. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician regarding medication usage.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord nodules turn into cancer?

Patients with vocal cord nodules usually do not undergo cancerous changes. The main causes of vocal cord nodules are related to improper use of the voice, excessive vocalization, and other factors. The pathological basis for the formation of vocal cord nodules involves edema in the Reinke's layer of the vocal cord mucosa, causing symmetrical hyperplasia of the vocal cords on both sides. The main symptoms in patients are hoarseness and difficulty in producing high-pitched sounds. The primary treatments for patients with vocal cord nodules currently include medication and surgery. Additionally, it is important for patients to protect their voice in daily life, practice voice rest, and reduce unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption to help prevent the occurrence of vocal cord nodules. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord nodules are caused by what?

Vocal cord nodules are mainly caused by improper speaking, excessive speaking, emotional excitement, and shouting. The most common symptom of vocal cord nodules is a hoarse voice. This condition is often seen in people who speak a lot, such as teachers, salespeople, and singers. These include individuals who tend to shout, are impatient, and speak improperly. Such cases are commonly seen in clinics, especially among children. For example, children who shout and speak carelessly at school during the semester may develop vocal cord nodules with hoarseness as a symptom. Additionally, emotionally excitable and impatient people can develop nodules. Some grandparents, who often yell at their children at home, also tend to develop vocal cord nodules. In summary, those who speak too much, shout, mispronounce sounds, or are emotionally excitable are at risk of developing vocal cord nodules.