Vocal Cord Nodules

Vocal Cord Nodules

Small Nodules can develop on the vocal cords typically when strenuous or abusive voice practices occur such as yelling and coughing. The nodule reduces or obstructs the ability of the vocal cords to vibrate and produce a normal voice. Symptoms include hoarseness, painful speaking, voice breaks, and reduced vocal range for singers. On flexible laryngoscopy or video stroboscopy, nodules appear as symmetrical swellings on both sides of the vocal cords.

Nodules can be found in both children and adults, but most frequently adult females. Professions most at risk for developing vocal cord nodules include teachers, cheerleaders, politicians, actors, preachers, singers, and military drill instructors. Symptoms of vocal nodules include vocal fatigue and hoarseness or breathiness. Hoarseness or breathiness that lasts for more than two weeks may signal a voice disorder and should be followed up with an appointment with an otolaryngologist.
Although vocal cord nodules certainly alter a patient’s voice, they are not malignant and cause no overall negative health consequences. With vocal cord nodules, the most detrimental situations arise when professional success depends on consistently producing a rich and powerful vocal tone, for example: singers, actors, litigation lawyers, broadcasters.

Symptoms of vocal nodules include vocal fatigue and hoarseness or breathiness. Hoarseness or breathiness that lasts for more than two weeks may signal a voice disorder and should be followed up with an appointment with an otolaryngologist.

Treatment

Treatment involves speech therapy, and, occasionally, vocal rest, increased water intake, decreasing caffeine, avoidance of dehydration, and sometime anti-reflux medicine to produce the most stable and healing environment for the vocal cords.
In some cases, surgery may be required. Removal of vocal cord nodules is a relatively safe and minor surgery; however, surgery can alter the voice permanently. Post-operative voice rest is usually necessary.