Vocal Fold Nodules

Nodules are the most common lesion on the vocal folds. They occur when the vocal fold tissue becomes inflamed and hard callous-like on the superficial layer of the lamina propria of the vocal folds resulting from acute or chronic vocal abuse (excessive voice use, shouting/yelling, increased tension, untrained singing, etc), as well as being sick with an upper respiratory infection that resulted in harsh excess coughing and/or throat clearing. They usually occur bilaterally and are very symmetric to one another. When the vocal folds come together to make sound, they will create an hourglass closure of the vocal folds resulting in a variety of voice problems like roughness, breathiness, strained phonation, loss of range and volume, vocal fatigue, and diplophonia. Nodules can occur at any age but are more prevalent in children and female adults. First course of intervention for vocal fold nodules is voice therapy, if treatment is unsuccessful, a surgical consultation by an ENT is recommended.

Sources: Clinical Voice Pathology: Theory and Management (4th ed). Stemple, Glaze & Klaben; Images: Bastian Medical Media via laryngopedia.com