Vocal Cord Polyps and Nodules

What are Vocal Cord Polyps and Nodules

Polyps and nodules are noncancerous (benign) growths that can develop on the vocal cords. You have two vocal cords in your voice box (larynx). The vocal cords produce the sound of your voice when air from your lungs passes over them. Polyps or nodules can cause your voice to change. They will often make your voice sound more hoarse or husky.

What is a vocal cord nodule

A vocal cord nodule is like a small, hard callus. Vocal cord polyps are usually larger and softer. They can be different shapes and sizes. Polyps usually develop on just one vocal cord. Polyps and nodules do not go away without some type of treatment.

What are the causes of Vocal cord polyps or nodules ?

Vocal cord polyps or nodules may be caused by:

• Using your voice too much. This is the most common cause. It can be from singing or yelling a lot.
• Smoking.
• Coughing.
• Allergies.
• Some medicines.
• Not having enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).
• A condition that causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD).

In some cases, the cause may not be known.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of nodules or polyps may include:

• Changes in your voice. Your voice might become:
  • Hoarse or husky.
  • Weak or breathy.
  • Low or gravelly.
• Trouble speaking or singing.
• A lump in your throat.
• Pain in your throat or ear.

How is this diagnosed?

Vocal cord nodules or polyps may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Various methods to examine your vocal cords:
  • Indirect laryngoscopy. This is when a health care provider looks at your vocal cords by holding a small mirror at the back of your throat.
  • Fiber-optic laryngoscopy. This is when a health care provider looks at your vocal cords by inserting a thin tube with a tiny camera at the end (laryngoscope) into your throat.
  • Videostrobolaryngoscopy. This is when a health care provider uses a scope with a type of light that allows him or her to see how your vocal cords vibrate.

How is this treated?

Treatment varies and may include:

• Medicines to treat the cause of the polyps or nodules. This may be medicines for coughs, allergies, GERD, or thyroid problems.
• Voice therapy. This includes resting your voice and working with a speech therapist. The speech therapist can show you how to use your voice more safely.
• Lifestyle changes, such as:
  • Quitting smoking.
  • Reducing stress.
  • Taking steps to help control GERD symptoms.
• Surgery to remove the nodules or polyps. This may be needed if other treatments do not work.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Rest your voice as told by your health care provider or speech therapist.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Do not smoke. Also stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your voice is hoarse for more than 2 weeks.
• You have other voice changes that last for more than 2 weeks.
• You have throat pain.
• You have a cough that does not go away.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You have throat pain that gets worse.
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.