Vocal Cord Polyps, Nodules & Cysts

Nodules

Nodules are symmetric raised masses of the vocal fold.  People may have previously heard nodules referred to as “nodes”.  Nodules manifest as swellings in the middle section of both vocal folds which inhibit complete closure and reduce how well the vocal folds can vibrate.  This results in a rough voice quality, difficulty with vocal transitions, breathiness or breaks with higher notes, or a feeling of strain.  Appropriate vocal hygiene, voice therapy, and often times a period of vocal rest is the initial treatment of choice for nodules.

Polyps

A polyp represents a unilateral lesion or mass on the vocal fold.  A polyp often originates from a bleed in the superficial layer of the vocal fold caused by phonotrauma, or heavy voice use.  Polyps can be acute in onset after an episode of heavy voice.  Sometimes a period of vocal rest and voice therapy can resolve the lesion, however, often times more intervention is needed.  These interventions can range from awake laser treatments to microlaryngoscopic surgery.  Most surgeons would agree that a period of voice rest and voice therapy following surgery produces the optimal outcome.