Vocal Cord Nodule Surgery

What You Need to Know About Vocal Cord Nodules and Their Treatment

Vocal cord nodules are small yet impactful conditions that result from overusing the vocal cords. They are especially common in individuals whose professions require intense voice use, such as artists, teachers, and lawyers. Nodules appear as small, firm bumps on the vocal cords and can significantly affect voice quality. So, why do they occur, what are the symptoms, and how are they treated?

What Are Vocal Cord Nodules and How Do They Form?

Vocal cord nodules are benign yet irritating bumps on the vocal cords caused by overuse.
The primary causes include:

Improper Voice Use: Speaking loudly or shouting for extended periods.
Excessive Vocal Fatigue: Continuing to use the voice without rest.
Reflux: Stomach acid reaching the vocal cords and causing irritation.
Smoking: Tobacco smoke weakens the vocal cords, paving the way for nodules.

These factors irritate the vocal cords, leading to hardening and eventually the formation of nodules.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of vocal cord nodules include:

Prolonged hoarseness.
A sensation of pressure or discomfort in the throat while speaking.
Voice that is rough or cuts out intermittently.
Constant throat clearing.

These symptoms can negatively impact daily life and professional performance. If these signs persist for a few weeks, consulting an ENT specialist is essential.

How Are They Diagnosed?

Vocal cord nodules are typically diagnosed through laryngoscopy (a camera examination of the throat). During this process, the doctor examines the vocal cords in detail using a camera.
The diagnostic steps include:

Patient History: Evaluating the onset and severity of symptoms.
Voice Analysis: Assessing the vocal cords’ function in detail.
Laryngoscopy: Directly visualizing the nodules’ size and location.

Treatment Methods

Non-Surgical Methods
Surgery is usually a last resort. Initially, the following methods are applied:

Voice Therapy: Teaching correct voice use to shrink the nodules.
Voice Rest: Recommending rest periods to avoid excessive strain on the vocal cords.
Medications: Treating underlying conditions like reflux or infections.
Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, and increasing water intake.

Surgical intervention is considered for large or persistent nodules that do not improve with other treatments and is rarely performed. Surgery is recommended when:

Nodules significantly impair voice quality.
Severe difficulty speaking is experienced.
No improvement occurs despite voice therapy.

The Surgical Process

Vocal cord nodule surgery is performed using microscopic surgical methods and usually under general anesthesia.

Duration: The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
Procedure: The surgeon carefully removes the nodules using specialized tools while preserving healthy tissues.

Post-Surgery Recovery

First Week: Complete vocal rest is required, and speaking is prohibited.
Subsequent Period: Voice therapy is introduced to learn proper voice usage.
Precautions: Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods; drink plenty of water.

What Are the Risks of Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, vocal cord nodule surgery carries some risks:

Temporary changes in voice tone or quality.
Infection in the surgical area.
Rare recurrence of nodules.

These risks are generally minimal when performed by an experienced surgeon.

The Importance of Post-Surgery Voice Therapy

Voice therapy is crucial for restoring vocal health after surgery. It helps:

Correct Voice Use: Correcting improper habits.
Breathing Techniques: Learning techniques that reduce voice strain.
Rehabilitation: Exercises to restore the natural tone of the voice.

Conclusion

Vocal cord nodules can be managed effectively with proper diagnosis and treatment. Recovery without surgery is possible, and when surgery is required, the results are generally successful. Early diagnosis, an appropriate treatment plan, and post-surgery voice therapy can help you regain a clear and strong voice. Remember, your voice is an important part of your life—take good care of it!