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,  vocal polyps, and vocal cord paralysis.

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.

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 for vocal cord disorders will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent and type of vocal cord disorder
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your 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

• medication

• surgery to remove growths

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