| Vocal
Cord Disorders What are vocal cord disorders?
The vocal cords (also called vocal folds) are two bands of smooth muscle tissue located in
the larynx (voice box). The larynx is located in the neck at the top of the trachea
(windpipe). Vocal cords produce the sound of your voice, by vibration and the air passing
through the cords from the lungs. The sound the vocal cords produce is then sent through
the throat, nose, and mouth, giving the sound "resonance." The sound of each
individual voice is determined by the size and shape of the vocal cords and the size and
shape of the throat, nose, and mouth (the resonating cavities).
Vocal cord disorders are often caused by vocal abuse or misuse, such as excessive use
of the voice when singing, talking, smoking, coughing, yelling, or inhaling irritants.
Some of the more common vocal cord disorders include laryngitis, vocal nodules, and vocal
polyps.
| laryngitis |
Laryngitis is often characterized by a raspy
or hoarse voice due to inflammation of the vocal cords. Laryngitis can be caused by
excessive use of the voice, infections, inhaled irritants, or gastroesophageal reflux (the
backup of stomach acid into the throat). |
| vocal nodules |
Vocal nodules are benign (non-cancerous)
growths on the vocal cords caused by vocal abuse. Vocal nodules are a frequent problem for
professional singers. The nodules are small and callous-like and usually grow in pairs
(one on each cord). The nodules usually form on areas of the vocal cords that receive the
most pressure when the cords come together and vibrate (similar to the formation of a
callous). Voice nodules cause the voice to be hoarse, low, and breathy. |
| vocal polyps |
A vocal polyp is a soft, benign
(non-cancerous) growth, similar to a blister. A polyp usually grows alone on one vocal
cord and is often caused by long-term cigarette smoking. Other causes of vocal polyps
include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), gastroesophageal reflux, and
continuous voice misuse. Voice polyps cause the voice to be hoarse, low, and breathy.
Vocal polyps are also called Reinke’s edemas or polypoid degeneration. |
What are some other vocal cord disorders?
Sometimes, less common disorders of the vocal cords occur due to voice misuse or
disease, such as contact ulcers and laryngeal papillomatosis.
| contact ulcers on the vocal cords |
Contact ulcers on the vocal cords can occur when too much force
is used in speech. When the vocal cords are excessively forced together, ulcerated sores
may occur. Tissue may also wear away on or near the larynx cartilages. Ulcers sometimes
are also caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Contact ulcers may cause the voice to tire
easily and may cause a sore throat. |
| laryngeal papillomatosis |
Laryngeal papillomatosis is a rare disease caused by the human
papillomavirus (HPV). More than 60 HPVs exist. Laryngeal papillomatosis causes the growth
of tumors inside the voice box, vocal cords, or the air passage from the nose to the
lungs. Most laryngeal papillomas (tumors) occur in children before the age of three. The
tumors are usually quick growing and can vary in size, causing breathing and swallowing
problems. Other symptoms may include coughing and hoarseness. Treatment for laryngeal
papillomas may include surgery to remove the tumors. Other treatment options may include:
Because the tumors tend to return, repeat surgery may be necessary. Always consult your
physician for a diagnosis. |
How are vocal cord disorders diagnosed?
Any hoarseness or change in voice that lasts longer than two weeks should be brought to
the attention of your physician. (Sometimes the hoarseness may be indicative of laryngeal
cancer.) In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the physician
may examine the vocal cords internally with a small, long-handled mirror (a procedure
called indirect laryngoscopy in which the mirror is inserted into the throat so parts of
the larynx can be examined) or with a lighted tube (a procedure called direct laryngoscopy
in which an instrument called a laryngoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth. The
scope is lighted to provide a better view of the area than the indirect laryngoscopy.).
Treatment for vocal cord disorders:
Vocal cord disorders caused by abuse or misuse are easily preventable. In addition, most
disorders of the vocal cords can be reversed. Specific treatment will be determined by the
physician(s) based on:
- patient’s age, overall health, and medical history
- extent and type of vocal cord disorder
- expectations for the course of the disease
- patient’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- patient’s opinion or preference
Treatment may include any of the following:
- eliminating the behavior that caused the vocal cord disorder
- a referral to a speech-language pathologist who has specialized training in treating
voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders that affect communication
- surgery to remove growths
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