Vocal Cord Lesions (Nodules, Polyps, and Cysts) Vocal cord lesions are benign (not cancerous) growths that include polyps, cysts, and nodules. Vocal trauma and overuse can be related to these lesions. All of these growths cause hoarseness. Vocal Cord Nodules Vocal cord nodules, sometimes known as singer’s nodes, are caused from repetitively overusing or misusing the voice. Nodules are like callouses that have developed on the vocal cords. They also come in pairs, meaning if you have nodules, you will always have one on each vocal cord (you have two vocal cords, one on the right and one on the left). They are much more common in women than in men. Treatment usually consists of voice therapy and behavioral modification under the guidance of a speech therapist. Surgery is done in cases where the nodules and voice does not improve with therapy alone. This is rare. Vocal Cord Polyps Vocal cord polyps are different than nodules in that they tend to occur only on one vocal cord. They also look different than nodules. They tend to have more blood vessels associated with them, so they can often look red. Having a vocal cord polyp is like having a blister on your vocal cord. Polyps can be caused by repetitive overuse or misuse and they can also be caused by a single episode of abuse (like yelling at a sporting event or singing karaoke one night). Another type of polyp, called Reinke’s edema, is associated with smoking. Both vocal cord polyps and nodules are caused by various forms of trauma to the vocal cords, including singing, screaming, cheerleading, excessive talking (teachers, salesperson, coach, radio personality). They can also be caused by using the voice when you are sick with a cold or laryngitis or if you have a lot of coughing during a bad upper respiratory illness. Treatment for polyps depends on how the polyp looks. Most polyps do not go away on their own with just rest or therapy. Most polyps require surgery. Vocal Cord Cyst A vocal cord cyst is like a fluid filled sac in the vocal cord. The cause of a cyst is not well known and is not as related to voice use as polyps or nodules. Treatment for a vocal cord cyst involves surgery. DS-1224 (02-21) Surgery For Vocal Cord Lesions The procedure to remove vocal cord lesions is called microdirect laryngoscopy. This means that a device is placed into your throat through your mouth so that the surgeon can see the vocal cords, and then a microscope is used to see all the fine, microscopic details of your vocal cords. Fine instruments are then used to remove the vocal cord lesion. Sometimes, the surgeon will also use a laser in the surgery. The pictures below shows how the surgeon is able to operate on your vocal cords through your mouth using a microscope. The possible risks for this type of surgery include the following: Injury to Teeth Injury to the teeth may occur due to the nature of the instruments used in endoscopy despite steps to protect them. Injury may include chipping, cracking, loosening, or removal of teeth. Injury to the Voice Box Changes in the voice may be temporary or permanent due to structural changes. Injury Due to Positioning Positioning your head to straighten out the anatomy requires extending the neck which can sometimes cause spinal injury or injury to the blood vessels. Bleeding Bleeding is usually minor. Voice Problems Voice quality depends on the person’s ability to generate adequate pressure below the level of the vocal cords and properly vibrating vocal cords. Any procedure done to your vocal cords can cause changes in your voice. Some changes to your voice might include it becoming weaker, more breathy sounding, gravelly or tight. DS-1224 (02-21) REVERSE.