Can You Have Vocal Cord Nodules Or Polyps?

Vocal cord nodules or polyps are considered to be frequent laryngeal injuries. They grow organically like benign bulges on the vocal cords. The injuries can have several causes. In most cases, the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment will be quite similar.

Polyps occur in larger sizes than nodules with a distinct blood vessel on the surface. Causes include excessive use of the voice apparatus, among other reasons. Hyperthyroidism, chronic allergic reactions in the larynx, and frequent inhalation of cigarettes and other toxic fumes  are a few other common causes of polyps.

People at risk for vocal cord nodules and polyps

First of all  , all people who use their voice in their work are  at risk of developing vocal cord nodules and polyps. This applies to everything from telephone workers, singers, actors, public speakers and educators to street vendors.

Even people with mild hearing loss can develop a habit of speaking too loudly, which can lead to injuries. Anything that involves overexerting your voice can lead to nodules and polyps.

However  , women between the ages of 20 and 45 are the ones most affected by these injuries. They are very rare in children, but can occur if a child shouts excessively and very loudly.

Symptoms indicating the presence of vocal cord nodules or polyps

The most common symptom is  vocal fatigue and a whole range of signs that can be heard when speaking. The voice breaks and becomes hoarse.

Furthermore, there may be a lack of air when exhaling, making between and long conversations impossible. In these cases, there may be a chronic dysphonia.

Furthermore, the presence of inflammation can lead to coughing, sore throat, muscle tension in the throat, discomfort and even pain. A good ear-nose-throat specialist can diagnose the severity of the case. From here you can follow the appropriate treatment.

Assessment and diagnosis of vocal cord nodules and polyps

Often you will find that you have a hoarse voice after an intense day of work, which later disappears. When should you see a doctor to find out if there is a damage to your vocal cords?

In reality, the hoarseness has to last for more than two or three weeks before there is reason to sound the alarm.

If a checkup is necessary, your doctor will assess the degree of hoarseness or dysphonia through several procedures. The first is an analysis of your voice quality. A speech pathologist will be able to tell you, based on the type of hoarseness, whether you need treatment or not.

The next procedure is direct observation or laryngoscopy. To do this, the doctor will use a mirror or a laryngoscope. The doctor may also detect signals that require a biopsy. The biopsy is performed, if necessary, to rule out any possible carcinomas. In these cases, the examination is called microlaryngoscopy.

Common forms of treatment

Surgical interventions are the last resort for this type of injury. Only if the sore throat is very large and has been present for a long time, will it be necessary to remove the problem surgically. They would rather try to determine the primary causes of the voice nodules or polyps. 

Whether it is a glandular problem (hyperthyroidism), gastric (reflux) or allergy, an ear-nose-throat doctor will refer patients to the right specialists. On the other hand  , the most effective treatment to relieve, prevent and cure voice nodules and polyps is voice training.