Could You Have Vocal Cord Nodules Or Polyps?
Vocal cord nodules or polyps are common larynx injuries. They grow organically, as benign bulges, on the edges of the vocal cords. The injuries can have various causes. However, in most cases, the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment are very similar.
Polyps are larger than nodules and have a noticeable blood vessel on the surface. Causes include, among other things, excessive use of the tuner. Hyperthyroidism, chronic allergic reactions in the larynx, and frequent inhalation of cigarette and other toxic smoke are some other common causes of polyps.
Lumps are mainly caused by “abuse” of the vocal cords. People who strain their voices while singing can suffer from polyps and lumps on their vocal cords. The same applies to teachers in classes with many students who make vocal efforts to be heard.
People at risk for vocal cord nodules or polyps
First of all, everyone who uses their voices in their work is at risk of developing vocal cord nodules and polyps – from telephone operators, singers, actors, speakers and teachers to street vendors.
Even people with mild hearing loss can develop a habit of speaking too loudly, which can cause harm. In other words, anything that puts a strain on your voice can lead to lumps and polyps.
However, women between the ages of 20 and 45 are most affected by these injuries. In contrast, nodules and polyps are very rare in children. However, they can still occur if, for example, a child cries excessively and very loudly.
In any case , vocal cord nodules and polyps are always benign. Usually they are caused by inflammation at the edges of the vocal cords, where they close up while speaking.
These small sores caused by irritation tend to go away over time, depending on the appropriate treatment that has been established for them.
Symptoms that indicate the presence of vocal cord nodules or polyps
The most common symptom is voice fatigue. In addition, there are quite a number of signs that can be heard while speaking. The voice breaks and sounds hoarse.
In addition, there may be a lack of air when you exhale, making medium or long sentences impossible. Chronic dysphonia can occur in these cases.
In addition , the presence of inflammation can lead to a cough, sore throat, muscle tension in the neck, malaise, and even pain. However, a good ENT doctor will be able to diagnose the severity of the case. From there he can then initiate the appropriate treatment.
Evaluation and diagnosis of vocal cord polyps and nodules
You may notice that after a busy day at work, you often have a hoarse voice that later disappears. But when should you see a doctor to see if your vocal cords are damaged?
In fact, the hoarseness should last longer than two or three weeks to be a cause for concern to a doctor.
If an examination is needed, your doctor will use a variety of methods to assess the degree of hoarseness or dysphonia. The first is an analysis of your voice quality. A speech pathologist can use the type of hoarseness to determine whether or not you need treatment.
The second procedure is direct observation or a laryngoscope. For this purpose, the doctor will use a mirror or a laryngoscope. The doctor may also notice signals that require a biopsy. The biopsy may be done to rule out possible cancer. In these cases one speaks of a microlaryngoscopy.
General treatments for vocal cord nodules and polyps
Surgical intervention is the last resort for this type of injury. Only if the sore throat are very extreme and have existed for a long time do they need to be surgically removed. Rather, doctors will first try to determine the main causes of the vocal cord nodules or polyps.
Whether it is a glandular problem (hyperthyroidism), a stomach problem (reflux) or an allergic problem, an ENT doctor will refer the patient to the appropriate specialist. On the other hand , voice training is the most effective treatment for relieving, preventing, and healing vocal cord nodules and polyps.
