Vocal Cord Nodules Gangnam Seoul | English-Speaking ENT

What are vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules (vocal fold nodules, sometimes called "singer's nodes") are benign, firm thickenings that form on both vocal folds, usually at the junction of the front and middle thirds, where the folds strike each other hardest during speech. They develop gradually, much like calluses on the hands, in response to repeated friction and impact.

Because nodules prevent the vocal folds from closing completely, air escapes during speech and the voice becomes rough or breathy.

Symptoms

Persistent hoarseness or a raspy voice
Breathy voice and running out of air while speaking
Reduced vocal range, especially loss of high notes
Voice fatigue after a day of talking, teaching or singing
Neck tension or a feeling of effort when speaking

Causes

Nodules are linked to chronic vocal overuse and strain: shouting, speaking loudly over background noise, singing without proper technique, or long hours of talking. Teachers, singers, instructors, salespeople, call-center staff and coaches are at higher risk. Contributing factors include laryngopharyngeal reflux, dehydration, smoking, and frequent throat clearing from postnasal drip.

How they're diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Nodules cannot be seen with a simple mouth examination. Dr. Kim performs laryngoscopy, passing a thin scope to view the vocal folds on screen as you speak and breathe. This shows the size and position of the lesions and distinguishes nodules from vocal cord polyps, cysts, Reinke's edema or other conditions that may look similar but are managed differently.

Treatment options

Voice therapy first

Voice therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. It retrains how you breathe, project and use your voice so the folds stop colliding with excessive force. Many nodules shrink or disappear once voice habits change.

Supportive measures

Short periods of relative voice rest; avoid whispering, which can strain the folds
Drinking plenty of water and using humidified air
Treating reflux, nasal allergy or postnasal drip
Avoiding smoking and limiting throat clearing

Surgery

Microsurgery is rarely needed for true nodules. It may be considered when large, fibrous nodules persist despite a full course of voice therapy, and therapy is still required afterward to prevent recurrence.

When to see an ENT

Any hoarseness lasting more than three to four weeks should be examined with laryngoscopy, especially if you smoke. Seek prompt care for hoarseness with difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, swallowing problems or a neck lump.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former Yonsei and Ajou university professor, co-authored research on vocal fold augmentation during his academic career. While his subspecialty is the nose and sinuses, he evaluates voice problems as part of complete ENT care, in English. English teachers and professional voice users can visit near Gangnam-gu Office Station; see directions and hours.

Will vocal cord nodules go away on their own?

Early, soft nodules can shrink with voice rest and better voice habits. Most patients need structured voice therapy to change the patterns that caused them. Without changing how you use your voice, nodules tend to persist or return.

Can I keep teaching with vocal cord nodules?

Many teachers continue working while in voice therapy by using amplification, scheduling vocal breaks, staying hydrated and avoiding shouting. Dr. Kim can advise how much voice rest is sensible based on the laryngoscopy findings and your workload.

Are vocal cord nodules cancerous?

No. Nodules are benign lesions caused by mechanical stress. However, other lesions can cause similar hoarseness, which is why laryngoscopy is important for any voice change lasting more than a few weeks, particularly in smokers.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Vocal Cord Nodules Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul