ear, nose, and throat disorders
Vocal Cord Contact Ulcers
Introduction
Vocal cord contact ulcers are raw sores on the mucous membrane covering the cartilage to which the vocal cords are attached. Vocal cord contact ulcers are usually caused by abusing the voice with forceful speech, particularly as a person starts to speak. These ulcers typically occur in singers, teachers, preachers, sales representatives, lawyers, and other people whose occupation requires them to talk or otherwise use their voice a lot. Vocal cord contact ulcers can develop into granulomas (collections of immune cells caused by inflammation). Backflow of stomach acid ( Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) [GERD]) also may cause or aggravate vocal cord contact ulcers. Endotracheal intubation (insertion of a plastic breathing tube through the mouth or nose into the windpipe such as may be done during general anesthesia) may cause vocal cord contact ulcers if the tube is too big. Gastroesophageal reflux of stomach acid can cause ulcers to form on the vocal cords. Symptoms include mild pain while speaking or swallowing and varying degrees of hoarseness. 