Benign Vocal Fold Lesions
Vocal Cord Polyp
Benign vocal cord lesions are noncancerous growths that may form on one or both vocal cords. They include nodules, polyps and cysts. Most lesions form because you’re overusing or misusing your vocal cords.
Vocal cord polyps can result from repeatedly overusing or misusing your voice. They can also form after a single episode of vocal abuse (like yelling at a sports event).
Polyps can vary in size and shape, but they’re usually larger than nodules. They typically form on one vocal cord, but the friction from a single polyp rubbing against the other vocal cord may cause an additional polyp to form.
Anyone can develop vocal cord polyps, but they’re more common after an episode of voice overuse such as yelling or a sudden loss of voice.
Early intervention is essential to prevent further damage to the vocal cords and to address any underlying causes.
Recent upper respiratory tract infection
Therapy can range from conservative behavioral, medical and dietary treatments to more invasive treatments like surgery.
<b>Voice therapy:</b> Voice therapy teaches how to use your vocal cords so they can heal. It can also teach you how to prevent lesions or voice injuries in the future.
<b>Behavioral modifications:</b> Behavioral interventions can help you make lifestyle adjustments to help care for your voice. Quitting smoking, reducing stress and improving your diet can complement voice therapy to ease your symptoms and heal vocal cord lesions.
<b>Treatments for underlying medical problems:</b> Treatments that address underlying issues that cause vocal cord inflammation, such as reflux, allergies and sinusitis, can help heal lesions and lessen symptoms.
<b>Surgery:</b> Polyps and cysts don’t typically improve with voice therapy. You’ll likely need surgery if you have a polyp or cyst. Still, you may need voice therapy after surgery to reduce your risk of irritating your vocal cords and developing new lesions
If you have Benign Vocal Fold Lesions, then a visit to an ENT specialist is recommended.
Contact an
ENT specialist