Vocal Cord Lesions
What are vocal cord lesions?
Vocal cord lesions are growths or sores on your voice box. There are 2 main kinds of vocal cord lesions: polyps and nodules, and leukoplakia.
Polyps and nodules are growths that occur with straining the voice; hypothyroidism; radiation therapy in the neck; or long-lasting sinusitis with drainage, cough, and frequent throat clearing.
Leukoplakia are thick, white patches of abnormal tissue, often caused by chemical irritation from tobacco smoke or alcohol.
How do they occur?
Overuse of the voice is the most common cause of swollen or inflamed vocal cords. Vocal abuse is the frequent loud speaking or yelling used by teachers, preachers, actors, cheerleaders, and other public speakers who have to speak or yell forcefully. Smoking is another common cause of vocal cord lesions. Other chemical irritants, such as alcohol, may also contribute to problems.
What are the symptoms?
The first symptom of polyps and nodules is usually hoarseness, which occurs when the growth or growths interfere with the flow of air past the vocal cords.
Leukoplakia commonly causes no symptoms. Over time it can silently develop into cancer of the voice box, especially if you both smoke and drink alcohol.
How are they diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine your vocal cords with a viewing instrument with a mirror that allows your provider to see past the back of the tongue.
If you have leukoplakia, you may have a biopsy of the white patches. For a biopsy your health care provider will take a sample of tissue from the white patches. The tissue will be examined under a microscope and checked for cancer.
How are they treated?
Your health care provider will advise you to change the way you use your voice and may refer you to a speech therapist.
Some growths require surgical removal. If you have surgery, your health care provider will give you an anesthetic before the procedure.
If you have leukoplakia, you will be checked for cancer. If you are a smoker, your health care provider will advise you to stop smoking right away and to rest your voice.
How long will the effects last?
Your voice may or may not return to normal, depending on the cause of the problem and the treatment. Your health care provider will tell you how long to rest your voice and what changes, if any, to expect.
How can I take care of myself?
Follow the treatment prescribed by the health care provider. In addition:
- Avoid smoking.
- Rest your voice as much as you can, and avoid situations that strain your voice, such as shouting and cheering at sporting events.
- Use pain relievers and throat sprays as instructed by the health care provider when you must use your voice extensively.
How can I prevent vocal cord lesions?
Avoid smoking, voice abuse, and chemical irritants.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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