Frequently Asked Questions About Vocal Fold Nodules

Throughout the animal world, countless species communicate with others through various kinds of vocal sounds. Human speech depends on the vibration of two delicate tissues called the vocal folds or vocal cords. Anything that interferes with the interaction between the vocal folds can make normal vocalization impossible.

Some people develop non-cancerous lesions called nodules on their vocal folds. If you've overused your voice, you may develop the telltale signs of this kind of injury. However, the right treatment and care can restore and protect your voice. Learn more from these frequently asked questions about vocal fold nodules.

Vocal folds make sound by coming together inside your larynx (voice box) while outgoing air from your lungs makes them vibrate. Vocal fold nodules typically develop when something irritates and swells these fragile cords, causing calluses to form on them and inhibiting their ability to vibrate normally.

Acute or chronic overuse of the voice can lead to the development of vocal fold nodules. Professional speakers and singers often develop this disorder from placing too much stress on their vocal folds. You can also give yourself a vocal fold nodule simply by yelling too loudly or too often or by breathing too shallowly.

Other behaviors and conditions can also produce vocal fold nodules. Examples include chronic disorders such as acid reflux disease, allergies, thyroid disease, and sinusitis. 

Vocal fold nodules typically cause the voice to sound harsh, raspy, or unnaturally low in pitch. Your voice may break in the middle of a sound or have trouble creating that sound in the first place. You may find speaking and singing a fatiguing experience or completely lose your ability to make softer, higher sounds.

Bear in mind that the common symptoms of a vocal fold nodule can also indicate a variety of other ailments, from a bad cold or throat infection to polyps or cysts on the vocal folds. As a result, you may need a comprehensive evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to pin down the exact cause of your vocal issues.

Your ENT will ask you how long you've struggled with your vocal symptoms and about your vocal health in general, including any recent overuse through singing, yelling, or speaking loudly. This specialist will also examine the back of your throat to eliminate other causes, such as throat infection or inflammation.

To look at the vocal folds directly, the ENT will run an illuminated scope down into your larynx and ask you to make sounds. As the vocal cords vibrate, the ENT will examine their appearance and observe their function on a video monitor.

Once your ENT has conclusively diagnosed a vocal fold nodule, you'll most likely undergo a period of forced silence in which you avoid singing and speaking. If vocal overuse caused the problem, this rest period will help the calluses go away and allow for complete healing of the vocal cords.

If your calluses persist after you've rested your vocal cords for the prescribed period, your ENT may recommend more invasive treatment techniques to remove them. A method called phonomicrosurgery employs miniaturized surgical instruments inside an illuminated scope to cut away the nodules while preserving healthy tissue. 

You can reduce your odds of getting another vocal fold nodule by addressing the underlying triggers that created your initial nodule. Avoid screaming, yelling, or otherwise abusing your voice. Get treatment for any allergy or acid reflux problems you may have. Keep your voice hydrated, don't smoke, and eat a healthy diet.

If you worry that your vocal folds may have developed nodules or any other kind of lesions, turn to the specialists at Wilmington Ear Nose and Throat. We can determine the nature of your vocal problem and administer whatever treatment you might need. Contact us at either of our locations.