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What Are Nodules on the Voice Box?

Vocal chord nodules are benign calluses on the voice box. While they are serious and must be medically treated, especially if you use your voice in your vocation, they are generally treatable. They can occur at any time during your life and can affect anyone. Medical attention should be sought at the first signs and symptoms so that a full recovery may be made.

  1. Definition

    • Occurring most commonly in women and children, nodules on the voice box are calluses on the vocal folds that develop when the voice is used excessively or incorrectly. They are often referred to as "screamer's nodes" or "singer's nodes" because they form on the voice boxes of people who frequently sing or scream. They form an hourglass shape on the vocal chords that closes the opening and creates a raspy, breathy sound to the voice.

    Causes

    • Often screaming, singing out of one's natural vocal range and general overuse of the voice can bring on voice nodules. If the voice is overused when a patient is ill, it is easier for nodules to develop, as well. The longer the voice is overused or used incorrectly, the harder and more substantial the nodules become, resulting is hard, thick, difficult-to-treat calluses.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms are plentiful. The first sign of vocal nodules is usually a change in the quality of the voice. It may become breathy, raspy, gravelly or horse-sounding. The voice may tire more easily than it used to and become unreliable, which is especially disconcerting for a singer. It may be difficult to sing or speak high or low notes and tones and the voice may break or crack. There will also be a perpetual desire to clear the throat as if something is stuck in it.

    Recovery

    • Often the recommendations for recovery include vocal rest, hydration by drinking plenty of water, cool mist humidifiers if the climate is dry and avoiding dehydrating items such as alcohol and caffeine. Sometimes, therapists recommend singing therapies. If the nodules are especially large or have been hardened by long-term existence, a microscopic surgery called phonomicrosurgery may be performed.

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