Vocal Cord Nodule - An Overview

Introduction

Growths formed on the vocal cords are called vocal cord nodules. Bumps formed on the vocal cords are benign and noncancerous in nature. They appear like calluses that form on hands. Both genders are equally affected by the nodules. They are also called singers’ or screamer’s nodules. These nodules may form on one or both vocal cords.

What Is a Vocal Cord Nodule?

Vocal cord nodules are formed on the vocal folds. Vocal cord lesions are also known as vocal fold lesions that include nodules, polyps, and cysts. These lesions are benign (noncancerous). These appear similar to calluses that form on the hands. Vocal folds are two bands of muscles that are vibratory, and they are present in the larynx ( voice box). These appear like strings, but actually, they are folds of tissue with a thin, soft lining outside. As this lining is very delicate, it may get prone to injury. Activities like speaking louder and continuously, singing, and yelling can damage this thin lining due to vibrations that occur in vocal cords. Vocal cord nodules are also called singer’s nodules or screamer’s nodes.

These nodules are formed due to over or misuse of the voice. These growths develop in the midpoint of vocal cords due to trauma to vocal folds. When vocal folds collide, swelling may be formed at the collision site. When such problems occur repeatedly, the swelling must be treated. These nodules are called soft nodules. Children are more commonly affected. Anyone can get affected by this condition but more likely seen among teachers, speakers, trainers, singers, and coaches. This condition may be seen equally in both genders, males and females.

What Are the Causes of Vocal Cord Nodules?

Vocal cord nodules are caused due to overuse and incorrect use of voice. Actions like speaking, yelling, and singing for more time may cause vocal cords to get irritated and inflamed.

Risk Factors

• The habit of smoking.

• Infections of sinuses.

• Allergy reactions

• Low thyroid levels.

• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

• The habit of drinking alcohol or caffeine.

• Use of voice when affected by cold or upper respiratory tract infection.

• Trauma to vocal folds.

These may be rarely caused due to malignant tumors (cancer) or psychological problems.

What Are the Symptoms of Vocal Cord Nodules?

Symptoms of vocal cords depend on the lesion’s size, how much is affected at the opening and closing, and the vibration of the folds. Symptoms include

• Change in a voice like hoarseness of voice and raspy voice or breathy voice.

• Strain and pitch breaks in voice may be seen.

• Discomfort, pain, or tightness in the throat.

• Pain in the neck.

• Weakness and decreased vibrations in vocal cords.

• Coughing.

• Need to clear off the throat often.

• Shooting of pain from one ear to the other.

• Presence of lump in the throat.

What Are the Complications of Vocal Cord Nodules?

Complications do occur when there is a delay in seeking treatment.

• The hoarseness of the voice becomes permanent.

• Vocal cords may get scarring.

• Talking may become painful.

• Vocal range may be lost.

How to Diagnose Vocal Cord Nodules?

Diagnosis can be made by using the following methods.

1) Medical history and thorough examination, which includes head, neck, and throat examination.

2) The following tests are done.

• Laryngoscopy: This test is done using an endoscope to examine the voice box. A thin tube is inserted through the nose that will have a camera and light to view the voice box clearly.

• Videostroboscopy: This test is done to know about the vibrations of vocal cords. A small scope is inserted through the nose and throat just above the vocal cords. The scope is connected to the special strobe light that flashes when vocal cords vibrate.

• Biopsy: Small tissue may be taken to test very rarely.

What Is the Treatment of Vocal Cord Nodules?

Treatment depends on conservative behavioral, medical, and dietary treatments to surgery.

• Voice Therapy: Speech-language specialists may work to teach how vocal cords to be used to help them heal. Teach about how to prevent lesions and injuries of vocal cords in the future.

• Behavioral Modification: Behavioral changes can be done by making changes in the lifestyle, like stopping the habit of smoking, eating healthy food, and reducing stress. These are added to voice therapy to ease the symptoms and help in the healing of vocal cords.

• Treatments For Other Medical Conditions: Medical conditions like GERD and sinusitis are to be treated so that they do not contribute to vocal lesions and help in the healing of vocal cords.

• Surgery: This procedure is indicated when vocal nodules do not subside with other conservative treatments.

• Vocal nodules generally improve in two to six months with the treatment of voice therapy or rest.

How to Prevent Vocal Nodules?

Following preventive measures to be taken

• Avoid talking and singing continuously.

• Louder talks like yelling should be avoided.

• The habit of consuming more alcohol and taking more caffeine should be avoided.

• Smoke and smoking should be avoided.

Adopting healthy behaviors helps improve and prevent vocal lesions from forming. Some of them are as follows:

• Sufficient water intake to be done.

• Hands should be kept clean by washing hands.

• Sleep at night should be sufficient.

• To enhance the voice, the microphone can be used.

• Rest is to be given to vocal cords before they are used excessively.

• Hydration of vocal cords can be done by using humidifiers at home.

• Activities that reduce stress or manage to be done regularly.

By following these guidelines, one can avoid ending up with an invasive procedure called surgery.

Conclusion

Vocal cord nodules are a serious condition as it is associated with speech. If one has to speak louder in the profession, one may get affected if that individual comes across such a problem. This may affect the professional as well as the quality of one’s life. In addition, one must be sure to get any prolonged or disturbed symptoms at the earliest to avoid any further complications. This in turn prevents the disease progression and also improves the chance of well-being.