Overview and Facts about Vocal Cord Nodules
Vocal cord nodules and polyps are noncancerous growths that occur in your voice box. They are soft, look like teardrops or grapes, and appear on both the vocal cords.
Vocal cord nodules most often occur in people that use their voice excessively and/or frequently. They are common in children that yell or scream a lot, in cheerleaders, lawyers, singers, teachers and stockbrokers to name a few.
Symptoms and Signs of Vocal Cord Nodules
The signs and symptoms of vocal cord nodules and polyps include:
- Hoarseness, breathiness or raspy tone in the voice
- Having multiple tones of voice and loss of range or total loss of voice
- Pain from ear to ear or general neck pain
- Feeling like you have a lump in your throat
- Excessive coughing and throat clearing
- Vocal fatigue and strain after talking for a period of time
- Recurrent loss of voice
Tests and Diagnosis of Vocal Cord Nodules
An otolaryngology specialist, otherwise known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor can diagnose vocal cord nodules and polyps through a simple examination. They will discuss your voice use history to determine a cause for the condition.
Some of the diganostic tests your doctor may perform are:
- Flexible laryngoscopy: A flexible scope is inserted through the nose to look at the throat, pharynx and larynx. This study gives basic information regarding the form and function of the throat structures.
- Videostroboscopy: A flexible scope with a camera is inserted through the nose and fed into the larynx to visualize the vocal cords. A strobe light makes the vocal cords appear in slow motion and the examination is recorded. This study diagnoses and evaluates in detail the anatomy, physiology and any pathology of the vocal cords.
- Acoustic Analysis: Computer evaluation of multiple features of your voice assists in the diagnosis and treatment of your voice disorder. These measurements also serve as a way to objectively evaluate the progress that is made during and after treatments
Causes and Risk Factors of Vocal Cord Nodules
Vocal cord nodules and polyps are also called “singer’s nodules” as they tend to appear as a result of overuse of the voice in professional singers.
They can also develop from other forms of voice-related trauma, including:
- Cheerleading or screaming
- Excessive talking, which is common for a salesperson, teacher or radio personality
- Excessive muscle tension while speaking
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Reflux, sinusitis and allergies
Treatment and Care for Vocal Cord Nodules
Medications, including steroids and anti-inflammatory medications, can be prescribed to shrink or totally get rid of polyps.
The ENT doctor will also likely recommend voice therapy to strengthen your vocal cords, improve your vocal “technique (the way you talk, yell or scream) and to rest your voice for a while.
Voice and singing therapy is a patient-centered treatment method attempts to modify behaviors and vocal techniques that contribute to abnormal voicing.
The singing voice specialist at Loyola has additional training and experience in rehabilitating injured singing voices. Voice and singing exercises will vary depending on the specific pathology being treated. Treatments are generally four to six sessions weekly.
Treatment of underlying medical problems that affect the voice, such as reflux, allergies and sinusitis, may help lessen the severity of your symptoms and improve your voice overall. Behavioral changes like quitting smoking, reducing stress and improving vocal awareness can also help.
Surgery may be necessary to remove the polyps, though this is typically reserved for cases where the voice box does not respond to more conservative treatment methods.
