Vocal Cord Nodules & Polyps

Housed inside the larynx (voice box), our vocal cords allow us to speak, sing, and communicate with the world. Air is pumped to the mouth through the lungs, which vibrates the vocal cords to form sound.

Find Your ENT Request Appointment

When the vocal cords are overtaxed, they can develop growths known as polyps or nodules. These can cause hoarseness and discomfort, impairing your quality of life. Our team at Florida ENT Associates is eager to meet with you and find a swift resolution to your ailment so you can get back to using your voice uninhibitedly.

Vocal Cord Nodule and Polyp Treatment Options

Treatment for vocal cord nodules and polyps depends on their cause and on their size. Our doctors will delve into the reasons why they developed in the first place, performing an array of diagnostic tests, such as allergy testing, an endoscopic inspection of the larynx, acid reflux testing, and a thyroid assessment. In some cases, surgery may be required to effectively combat the problem at its source. If your nodules or polyps have grown to a certain size, they will need to be surgically excised.

After their removal, patients may need to undergo speech therapy to help them avoid future vocal cord issues.

What are Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps?

Nodules and polyps are small swollen growths that form on the vocal cords as a reaction to vocal abuse or mistreatment. The more you strain and overwork your voice, the larger these growths can become.

Symptoms of Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps

A scratchy, raspy voice
Hoarseness
A breathy vocal sound
Pain and discomfort in the neck and between the ears
Problems altering your pitch
A feeling of fatigue in the throat

About the Barranco Clinic

Florida ENT Associates provides state-of-the-art ENT services to clients in and around Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Haines City, Sebring, and Clermont, delivering transformative results that halt symptoms and get to the root of your issues. Our practice is founded on the following four principles:

Personalized Treatment

Every patient receives our full focus and is guided through the right options for their individual concerns. We listen carefully to your goals and craft a treatment plan we know will lead to success.

Top-rated Physician Network

Our team of highly-trained, skilled providers combines their expertise and knowledge to provide exponential healing for our clients. In our atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration, patients receive the benefit of multiple specializations.

Continuity of Care

Your care is continuous, meaning it doesn’t end just because you walk out the door. We continue to monitor your health and well-being to ensure you are happy with your results and that you are thriving.

Community Investment

We use our wealth of knowledge and resources to support local charities, giving back to the community and thus strengthening our humanity.

FAQ

How can I prevent vocal cord nodules and polyps from forming?

To practice good vocal hygiene, you need to keep hydrated with plenty of fluids, avoid overusing your voice and abstain from smoking. If you do strain your voice, make sure you give yourself adequate time to rest and repair before trying to use it again.

Do nodules and polyps generally require surgery?

Surgery is usually only recommended when the growths have been present for a long time or are obstructing the throat in some way.

What are the causes of vocal cord nodules and polyps?

Some of the common causes of vocal cord polyps are abusing or misusing one’s voice by screaming or yelling often, smoking cigarettes long-term, chronic consumption of alcohol and caffeine, acid reflux, and certain thyroid ailments.