VOCAL CORD NODULES AND POLYPS

Vocal cord nodules are growths that can develop over time on the vocal cords. Polyps are also growths on the vocal cords, however they can be larger and appear to be more blister-like.

cause.
Nodules and polyps develop due to vocal "trauma." This can result from speaking or singing too loudly, too softly, or incorrectly without periods of rest. A bad environment, such as dryness of smokiness, can also have an effect. The longer the abuse continues, the larger and stiffer the growths become.

additional causes

• allergies
• smoking
• tense muscles
• singing
• coaching
• cheerleading
• drinking caffeine & alcohol

characteristics: nodules

• caused from long-term vocal abuse
• soft,whitish swollen spots on each vocal cord
• found on vocal fold, along the margin
• can become more callous-like
• become larger and stiffer as abuse continues

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nodules

characteristics: polyps

• various forms; long term or single, traumatic event (eg. concert)
• one or both vocal cords
• swelling or bump (like nodule) or stalk-like growth, or blister
• may be filled with fluid

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polyp

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
(think of it like this:)
nodule = callous
polyp = blister

signs & symptoms

• hoarseness, breathiness
• inability to speak/sing quietly or hold a pitch
• "rough" or "scratchy" voice
• shooting pain from ear to ear
• "lump in throat" sensation
• neck pain
• decreased pitch range or hearing 2 pitches simultaneously

testing & diagnosis
If a a hoarse voice continues past 2-3 weeks, see a doctor. A general ENT may not have sophisticated enough equipment to properly observe the vocal cords. Have a videostroboscopy by a laryngologist, voice evalution from a speech-language pathologist (SLP), or even a neurological examination.

Voice characteristics will be observed and an endoscopy will be used to see the vocal cords.

treatment.
Nodules and polyps can be treated through medication, surgery, or behavioral therapy. Surgery is only used in very developed cases and is very rare for children. The most common approach is voice therapy from an SLP.

prognosis.
If immediate action once symptoms are experienced, the growths will typically heal. However, if the diagnosis is too late, complications including permanent hoarseness, scarring,
painful phonation/voice use, &
loss of vocal range may last long-term.

stats

• nodules occur more frequently in women ages 20-50
• common in singers, speakers, and salespersons
• rare for adult males
• children may have them before the age of 3

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1)http://www.voicedoctorla.com/voice-disorders/vocal-nodules-nodes/
2)http://www.voicedoctorla.com/voice-disorders/vocal-polyp/
3)https://books.google.com/books?id=wOhkGWBzG2UC&pg=PA7&lpg=PA7&dq=stats+of+v...
4)http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/NodulesPolyps/#a