Nodules on Vocal Cords

In case you are wondering what are nodules, nodule is a Latin term and it means 'knots'. Nodules are a cluster of a lump or mass of tissues that develop on or under the skin and can even appear on the insides of the body, an example could be nodules on vocal cords. There are different types of nodules namely rheumatoid nodules and thyroid nodules. Nodules are usually painless and harmless, but could potentially affect the functioning of the affected organ such as in case of nodules on the vocal cords wherein these outgrowths impede the vocal folds and prevents it from making quick changes in the air pressure that results in human speech.

Nodules on vocal cords are also referred to vocal fold nodule as the nodules or the mass of tissue that grows on the vocal cord is typically found between the joining of the start and two-thirds of the middle portion of the vocal fold. Other common names also include singer's nodule, screamer's nodule and teacher's nodule. Why such strange names, you'd probably wonder but, you'd be clear with it once we discuss upon the causes of this condition. As far as the appearance of nodules is concerned, they are mostly like calluses and different to polyps which appear more to be like blisters. Nodules appear as small swellings on the sides of the vocal cords.

Causes of Vocal Cord Nodules
Nodules on the vocal cords are basically due to any form of vocal cord abuse or due to misuse of it. Nodules and plyps on vocal cord do have chance of leading to laryngitis. Vocal cord abuse and misuse could happen in a variety of ways and some of the activities that could cause it includes the following.

• Talking loudly
• Smoking
• Tense muscles
• Cheer leading
• Dryness of vocal cords
• Caffeine and alcohol intake
• Allergies
• Yelling
• Singing

Symptoms
Nodules on vocal cords are mostly found in women, and children of both genders. Some of the signs includes the following:

• Hoarseness
• Rough and scratchy voice
• Senses lump in the throat
• Harshness in speech
• Fatigue (body and voice)
• Painful when generating speech
• Low pitch range
• Vocal breaks
• Severe ear pain
• Neck pain

Diagnosis and Treatment
First of all, if any of the symptoms are seen in a person, for example, experiencing hoarse voice for than a couple of weeks, he should visit the physician as soon as possible. A thorough voice evaluation might be recommended to diagnose this condition and for the same reason, if you have visited the general physician, you'd most likely be recommended to an otolaryngologist or in simple terms, an ear, nose and throat expert. After the physical examination by the otolaryngologist, another voice evaluation would be conducted by SLP or Speech Language Pathologist followed by a neurological examination in certain cases. The idea of this voice evaluation is to check and rate the voice quality, loudness, pitch and other characteristics of normal voice and speech.

Only in rare cases, removal of nodules require a surgical treatment and a fairly minor surgery could remove the nodules. In most cases, it can be treated with the help of voice rehabilitation that involves speech therapy exercises, vocal rest and vocal training. Many might also require medical as well behavioral intervention if their vocal cord abuse is caused due to habits such as smoking and intake of caffeine and alcohol.

Nodules on vocal cords might seem unpleasant, but they are certainly curable and you might have guessed by now what to look for and how to go about treating this condition. Having said that, it is not as chronic as many might think. Even a minor symptom should not be ignored and one should pay a visit to the physician as soon as any such symptom is identified.