Vocal Cord Nodule

One of the most common causes of hoarseness is the development of vocal cord nodules. These are benign growths that appear superficially on the inner part of the vocal cords as a result of vocal strain or trauma. They typically form due to improper or excessive use of the voice. This condition is frequently seen in professionals who use their voice intensively, such as singers, teachers, lawyers, and others who often speak to large audiences.

SYMPTOMS OF VOCAL CORD NODULES

The most common symptoms include:

  • Hoarseness
  • Changes in voice quality
  • Harsh, deep, or rough voice
  • Voice cracking or instability
Additional symptoms may include:
  • Pain around the neck

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Struggling to speak

The vocal cords are among the most trauma-prone structures in the body. Repeated pressure and impact on the cords lead to nodule formation. You can compare this to a callus forming on your foot from wearing tight shoes—the continuous pressure causes thickening. The same concept applies to vocal cord nodules.

TREATMENT OF VOCAL CORD NODULES

If you are not a professional voice user (e.g., a singer), you should consult an ENT specialist if hoarseness persists for more than two weeks. If you are a professional, you may need to seek medical attention even sooner.

The two primary treatment methods are:

  • Voice therapy
  • Surgical removal of the nodule

VOICE THERAPY

As vocal cord nodules are strongly associated with poor vocal technique, the best way to treat them is to eliminate harmful voice habits. Learning proper voice usage and applying correct vocal techniques can lead to the reduction or even complete disappearance of nodules. Voice therapy aims to retrain the patient in healthy vocal behavior, reducing strain and preventing recurrence.

VOCAL CORD NODULE SURGERY

In some cases, nodules do not respond to voice therapy and persist despite following proper vocal hygiene and technique. In such situations, phonomicrosurgery may be necessary. This is a microsurgical procedure performed under general anesthesia using a microscope. It allows for precise removal of nodules with minimal trauma to the vocal cords.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty

On average, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The duration may vary depending on the specific procedures performed.

You can take a shower during the first 2 weeks as long as you avoid getting your face wet. You can wash your hair by tilting your head back and wash your body carefully without letting water touch your face. After 2 weeks, there are no restrictions.

You should avoid getting your face wet for the first 2 weeks.

It usually takes between 6 months to 1 year for the nose to fully settle into its final shape.

There may be a very faint and barely noticeable scar under the nose.

There is no need for a special diet, and there are no food restrictions after surgery.

Most patients can return to their daily routines the very next day. They can go out and manage their daily tasks comfortably. However, we recommend resting — not necessarily in bed — for the first week. Returning to work is generally suitable after the nasal splint and packing are removed, about one week post-surgery.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia.

They are removed one week after the surgery.

The splint is also removed one week after the surgery, together with the tampons.

At the one-week check-up, when the splint and tampons are removed, the tapes are replaced with new ones. The tapes are usually kept for another week, so in total, tapes remain in place for 2 weeks.

No. Any discomfort can be easily managed with mild painkillers.

Yes, after 2 weeks. Makeup is allowed along with showering.

Gentle downward massages from the bridge of the nose can help reduce swelling. However, since patients tend to apply too much pressure, we usually don’t recommend it strongly.

There are special creams available for bruising. Your doctor will recommend one after the surgery.

Piezo surgery targets only the bone tissue without damaging the surrounding soft tissues. Since it doesn’t harm soft tissue, under-eye bruising and swelling are minimal. The recovery process is faster, and it provides greater ease during the surgery.

Thanks to the Piezo technique, swelling is minimal and typically resolves within 2–3 days.

Again, due to the Piezo technique, bruising is minimal and usually disappears after about one week.

Yes. Addressing breathing problems such as nasal congestion is one of the core principles of rhinoplasty.

Yes, if the structural support of the nose is compromised, it may drop. That’s why the surgical technique and the attention and skill of the medical team are extremely important.

Rhinoplasty is not recommended for individuals under 18, as their nasal development is not yet complete. It also cannot be performed on patients with certain health conditions that make general anesthesia risky.

Since nasal development is usually completed by age 18, we do not recommend surgery for anyone younger.

Absolutely. Both procedures can be done in a single session.

No, you’ll be able to manage your daily activities on your own. However, it’s beneficial to have someone accompany you during your overnight stay at the hospital.