Could You Have Vocal Cord Nodes or Polyps?

3 minutes

What are vocal cord nodes and polyps? They can actually be considered injuries to the larynx, with various causes. Habits that strain the throat can be some of the main causes of this type of affliction.

Could You Have Vocal Cord Nodes or Polyps?

Last update: 13 March, 2019

Vocal cord nodes or polyps are considered frequent larynx injuries. They grow organically as benign bulges on the edges of the cords. The injuries may have various causes. In most cases, the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment are quite similar.

Polyps appear in a larger size than nodes, with a conspicuous blood vessel on the surface. Causes include excessive use of the vocal apparatus, among other causes. Hyperthyroidism, chronic allergic reactions in the larynx, and frequent inhalation of cigarette and other toxic smoke are a few other common causes of polyps.

Nodes are primarily caused by “misuse” of the vocal cords. People who strain their voices while singing may experience polyps and nodes on their vocal cords. The same goes for teachers in classes with many students who strain to make themselves heard.

People at risk for vocal cord nodes or polyps

First of all, all people who use their voices for their work are at risk of developing vocal cord nodes and polyps – from phone operators, singers, actors, public speakers, and teachers to street vendors.

Even people with mild hearing loss can develop the habit of speaking too loudly, leading to damage. Anything that involves straining your voice can lead to nodes and polyps.

However, women between 20 and 45 years of age are the most affected by these injuries. They’re very rare in children, but can occur if a child yells excessively and very loudly.

In any case, vocal cords nodes and polyps are always benign. In general, they come from inflammation of the edges of the vocal cords, where they occlude when speaking.

These small wounds caused by irritation tend to disappear after a period of whatever treatment is deemed appropriate.

Symptoms that indicate the presence of vocal cord nodes or polyps

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

Additionally, there may be a lack of air when exhaling which makes medium or long sentences impossible. In these cases, there may be chronic dysphonia.

Additionally, the presence of inflammation can lead to coughing, sore throat, muscle tension in the neck, discomfort, and even pain. A good ENT specialist can diagnose the severity of the case. From there, you can follow the appropriate treatment.

Evaluating and diagnosing vocal cord nodes and polyps

Often, you may find you have a hoarse voice after an intense work day, which later goes away. When should you see a doctor to know whether there is any damage to your vocal cords?

In reality, the hoarseness needs to persist for more than two or three weeks for it to be cause for alarm.

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

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

Common treatments for vocal cord polyps and nodes

Surgical interventions are the last resort for this type of injury. Only if the throat afflictions are very large and have been present for a long time will they need to be removed surgically. Rather, they’ll try to determine the main causes of the vocal cord polyps or nodes.

Whether it’s a glandular problem (hyperthyroidism), gastric (reflux), or allergic, an ENT specialist will refer patients to the appropriate specialists. On the other hand, the most effective treatment to relieve, prevent, and cure vocal cord nodes and polyps is voice training.