Symptoms of cancerous changes in vocal cord nodules

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 24, 2025
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The possibility of malignant transformation of vocal cord nodules is very small. If cancerous transformation occurs, the patient will experience persistent hoarseness, as well as symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, persistent cough, and blood in the sputum. Vocal cord nodules are caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting, or long-term irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. If patients do not undergo surgical treatment, the vocal cord nodules may continue to enlarge and undergo cellular mutations, leading to malignancy. At this point, patients may find cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers on the surface of the vocal cords. They will experience hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. At this stage, it is necessary to perform a local biopsy. If a malignant tumor is confirmed, localized surgical treatment can lead to improvement.

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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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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.

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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 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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How to effectively treat vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it initially requires a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, conservative treatment is considered, commonly involving oral traditional Chinese medicine and nebulization therapy. Alongside medication, it's important to avoid excessive use of the voice and to engage in vocal rehabilitation training. Most patients will see gradual improvement in symptoms of hoarseness through these conservative treatments, and nodules may also gradually diminish in some cases. If standardized conservative treatments are ineffective and the symptoms of hoarseness are particularly severe, a small number of patients may consider surgical intervention.