Vocal Fold Cysts, Nodules, and Polyps
What are Vocal Fold Cysts, Nodules, and Polyps?
Vocal fold cysts, nodules, and polyps are three different kinds of lesions that can affect a persons voice. Many people - including many doctors - confuse the terms when they are really very different entities.
Speech happens with a combination of vibration of the vocal folds against one another, amplification of the sound through the throat, mouth, and nasal passages (which actually forms the voice), and articulation of vowels and consonants by the tongue, soft palate, and lips. When something keeps the vocal folds from closing completely, the extra air creates a hoarseness or breathy-ness to a person's voice. This can be caused by cysts, nodules, polyps or scarred tissue.
Cysts, nodules, and polyps are non-cancerous.
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Nodules, Polyps, and Cysts
Vocal fold nodules are also known as Singer's Nodes or Screamer's Nodes. They occur in pairs that sit directly across from one another "at the midpoint of the membranous part of the vocal fold. These lesions are thought of as the 'calluses of the vocal fold'. Analogous to calluses, these lesions diminish or disappear when the trauma/misuse of the vocal folds is stopped" (www.voiceproblem.org). As the alternative names suggest, this condition is common among people who have a tendency to overuse their voice - coaches, people that yell or scream, singers, actors/actresses. It is also common in those who drink caffeinated beverages, which actually dehydrate the vocal folds, and don't drink sufficient rehydrating fluids during the day.
Nodules are common in children, more in boys than in girls, and also in young adult females.
If the nodules are soft they are more likely to resolve on their own with voice therapy. Hard nodules - usually those that have been present for a long time - will likely need to be removed with surgery.
Vocal fold polyps tend to happen on only one side of the vocal fold, and are redder in color than nodules, since there is increased blood supply. The amount of disruption to the voice depends on the extent and size of the polyp.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Very interesting post i liked it a lot. Great work.
September 14, 2011 - 10:49pmThis Comment