ear, nose, and throat disorders
Vocal Cord Polyps, Nodules, Granulomas, Papillomas
Introduction
Vocal cord nodules, polyps, granulomas, and papillomas are noncancerous (benign) growths that cause hoarseness and a breathy voice. are often the result of an acute injury (such as from shouting at a football game) and typically occur on only one vocal cord. Polyps may have several other causes, including Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) , Vocal cord nodulesoccur on both vocal cords and result mainly from chronic trauma to the vocal cords from habitual yelling, singing, or shouting or using an unnaturally low frequency. Nodules can also occur in children. (collections of immune cells caused by inflammation) are often the result of vocal cord injury due to uncontrolled Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (GERD) or damage during endotracheal intubation (insertion of a plastic breathing tube through the mouth into the windpipe [trachea]). Granulomas are common among adults. (see also Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis ) are noncancerous warty growths caused by certain When relaxed, the vocal cords normally form a V-shaped opening that allows air to pass freely through to the trachea. The cords open when air is drawn into the lungs (inspiration) and close during swallowing or speech. Holding a mirror in the back of a person's mouth, a specially trained doctor can often see the vocal cords and check for problems, such as contact ulcers, granulomas, polyps, nodules, paralysis, and cancer. All of these problems affect the voice. Paralysis may affect one (one-sided) or both vocal cords (two-sided—not shown). 