Can You Have Polyps Or Nodules On The Vocal Cords?

Polyps and nodules on the vocal cords are considered to be common recurrent injuries to the larynx. They grow organically as benign growths on the edges of the vocal cords. The injuries can have various causes. In most cases, the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment are quite similar.

Polyps are larger than nodules, with an eye-catching blood vessel on the surface. Causes include overworking the voice, among other things. Hyperthyroidism, chronic allergic reactions in the larynx and frequent inhalation of cigarette smoke and other toxic fumes are some other common causes of polyps.

Knots are mainly caused by using your vocal cords incorrectly or too much. People who strain their voices when they sing can get polyps and nodules on their vocal cords. The same goes for teachers in classes with many students who strain their voice to make themselves heard.

People who are at risk for polyps and nodules on the vocal cords

First and foremost, everyone who uses their voice for work risks developing polyps or nodules on the vocal cords – from telephone operators, singers and actors to public speakers, teachers and street vendors.

Even people with a mild hearing loss can develop the habit of constantly speaking too loudly, which can do harm. Anything that involves you straining your voice can lead to nodules and polyps.

However, women between the ages of 20 and 45 suffer the most from these injuries. They are very rare in children, but can occur if a child screams too much and very loudly.

Polyps and nodules on the vocal cords are always benign. In general, they come from an inflammation at the edges of the vocal cords, where they interfere and irritate when speaking.

These small wounds tend to disappear after a period of appropriate treatment.

Symptoms indicating the presence of polyps and nodules on the vocal cords

The most common symptom is that the voice becomes tired, as well as a large number of other symptoms that you can hear when talking. For example, the voice becomes broken and hoarse.

In addition, there may be a lack of air during exhalation which makes medium or long sentences impossible. In these cases, a chronic dysphonia may be behind it.

Furthermore, the presence of inflammation can lead to coughing, sore throat, muscle tension in the neck, discomfort and even more severe pain. A good ear, nose and throat specialist can diagnose how serious the case is. From there, you can follow up with appropriate treatment.

To evaluate and diagnose polyps and nodules on the vocal cords

Sometimes you may find that your voice is hoarse after an intense day of work. Usually this is temporary and transient. So where do you go to see a doctor to find out if there is any damage to the vocal cords?

In fact, you do not have to worry unless the hoarseness continues for more than two or three weeks.

If necessary, your doctor will evaluate how hoarse you are and the degree of dysphonia through various procedures. The first is an analysis of your voice quality. A speech therapist will be able to see, depending on the type of hoarseness you have, whether you need treatment or not.

The second procedure is a direct observation or laryngoscopy. To do this, the doctor will use a mirror or a laryngoscope. Your doctor may also notice signs that indicate you need a biopsy. A biopsy is performed if it is necessary to rule out any cancer. In these cases, the examination is called a microlaryngoscopy.

Common treatments for polyps and nodules

Surgery is the last resort for this type of injury. It is only if the throat problems are very large and have followed for a long time that you need to remove them surgically.

Whether it is a glandular problem (hyperthyroidism), gastric (reflux) or allergic, an ear, nose and throat specialist can refer you to a suitable specialist. However , voice training is the most effective treatment to alleviate, prevent and cure polyps and nodules on the vocal cords.