Vocal fold nodule

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2008)
Vocal fold nodule
Classification and external resources
Histopathologic image of vocal fold nodule or polyp. Biopsy specimen. H & E stain.
ICD-10 J38.2
ICD-9 478.5
DiseasesDB 29628

A vocal fold nodule (or "Nodules of vocal cords") is a nodule or mass of tissue that grows on the vocal folds (vocal cords). Typically this mass will appear on the anterior one-third of the vocal fold, where contact is most forceful.

A vocal fold nodule reduces or obstructs the ability of the vocal folds to create the rapid changes in air pressure which generate human speech. Symptoms include hoarseness of speech, painful speech production, frequent vocal breaks and reduced vocal range. Females are most likely to develop nodules.

The nodules appear as symmetric swellings on both sides of the vocal folds. The cause of these formations are usually strenuous or abusive voice practices such as yelling and coughing. Persons who are often susceptible are those who use their voice constantly in a loud environment. Examples include teachers, cheerleaders, politicians, actors, musicians, singers and in some instances Marine Corps drill instructors.

Picture showing vocal nodule(to lower right)
Picture showing vocal nodule
(to lower right)

Contents

[edit] Prognosis

Vocal fold nodules, although they can certainly impair one's speaking and singing ability, rarely harm one's general health. Indeed, the psychological trauma of being diagnosed with nodules -- a trauma affecting those especially whose professional success depends on consistently producing a rich and powerful vocal tone (e.g. singers, actors, broadcasters) -- typically dwarfs the limited systemic and even otorhinolaryngological effects.

[edit] Treatment

Treatment, or voice rehabilitation, usually involves vocal training, speech therapy, and, occasionally, vocal rest. In rare cases, surgery may be required. Removal of vocal fold nodules is a relatively safe and minor surgery. However, those who sing professionally or otherwise should take serious consideration before having surgery. While the patient is subdued under general anesthesia, long thin scissors and knives are used to remove the nodules. The best preventative steps seem to be wrapped up in the study of vocology, the science and practice of voice habilitation.

Symptoms of vocal nodules include vocal fatigue and hoarseness or breathiness. Hoarseness or breathiness that lasts for more than two weeks may signal a voice disorder and should be followed up with an appointment with ENT.

[edit] Famous nodule sufferers

  • Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls said in January 2008 that she will undergo surgery for nodes in March 2008. She has also been forced to cancel a mini-tour because of the surgery.
  • Davey Havok, lead singer of AFI, suffered from vocal nodes, which forced AFI to cancel several shows on their Spring '04 tour.
  • Roughton Reynolds from Enter Shikari developed nodules and as a result missed several shows on their UK tour.
  • Luciano Pavarotti developed vocal fold nodules early in his at-the-time mediocre career, leading him to renounce a life of music. Ironically, the psychological release associated with this decision and--soon after--disappearance of the nodules lead to an incredible improvement in his sound quality.
  • Natalie Imbruglia developed nodules during the 90's and had them removed a few years later, this noticeably improved the timbre in her voice.
  • Julie Andrews also suffered from vocal cord nodules, and famously lost her singing voice after surgery to remove them.
  • Bonnie Tyler, in 1977, found out that she had nodules that were so severe that she had to have surgery for their removal. After the surgery was performed, she was ordered to not speak for six weeks. One day while healing, she accidentally screamed and her voice took on a raspy quality.
  • Whitney Houston developed nodules during her famous Bodyguard tour in 1993-1994. At the time, she was unable to rest her voice to prevent permanent damage. She has been able to continue a successful singing career since then, but her voice has developed a noticeable, darker and hoarser tone than before.
  • Sarah Brightman after her Harem world tour in 2004, she had surgery to remove vocal nodules.
  • Natalie Dessay, a famous operatic lyric-coloratura, in 2001 underwent surgery to remove nodules and polyps on two of her vocal cords, following vocal difficulties after recovering from a cold. Although the quality of her voice now is debatable by some opera critics and fans, Natalie Dessay has made a complete recovery and continues to perform in opera.
  • 2003 Australian Idol contestant, Cosima De Vito pulled out from the competition after developing throat nodules.
  • Omarion, formerly of boy-band B2K also had surgery to remove nodules in 2005, and as a result, had to cancel a number of live shows in London.
  • In March 2005, Blue singer Lee Ryan developed a nodule, and as a consequence had to cancel the boy band's farewell tour.
  • Steve Augeri of the band Journey was forced to leave the band when his nodules got so severe in the 2006 tour, that a replacement was drafted in to continue the tour.
  • In October 2006 Jet guitarist and singer Nic Cester was diagnosed with the disease.
  • Bert McCracken, vocalist of The Used, developed a nodule in his vocal cord, and underwent surgery during the summer of 2007. The nodule was successfully removed.
  • Sonny Moore, vocalist of From First to Last, also had a nodule in his vocal cord. After surgery for its removal, he tore a vocal cord.
  • Joss Stone also had nodules and was told by doctors that she had to rest her voice otherwise permanent damage could be caused.
  • Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher is rumoured to suffer from nodules, based upon some of his live performances in recent years.
  • Tom Keifer, lead singer of the rock band Cinderella, developed nodules as a result of his singing voice, a raspy, affected snarl. He underwent repeated surgeries for the disorder.
  • Tedd Webb, a Tampa Bay area radio personality, had his nodule condition diagnosed by a doctor who heard Webb's raspy voice over the air. The doctor phoned him at the station and soon after performed surgery to cure the condition.
  • Billy Lunn (Morgan) lead singer of the Subways
  • Brian Joo of Korean boyband Fly to the sky suffered from vocal fold nodule due to a hectic promotion schedule and an over-exertion of his vocal cords.
  • Singer Lisa Origliasso of the Australian duo The Veronicas suffered from nodules in her throat while touring with Ashlee Simpson in June 2006. She had to cancel the rest of her tour gigs, while she went for an operation and recuperated.
  • Emily Deschanel was forced to give up singing after performing in a musical due to the formation of nodules on her vocal cords.
  • Mariah Carey, credited with a 5-octave vocal range and famed for her extensive use of the whistle register (the highest human vocal register) in a recent magazine interview, divulged she has had vocal nodules since she was a little girl.
  • Bill Kaulitz, lead singer of Tokio Hotel, underwent surgery to remove a developed cyst in April 2008. Bill had to remain silent for ten days after his surgery, a feat for the chatty singer. As a result, the band had to cancel numerous shows of their European 1000 Hotels '08 tour.
  • Idina Menzel developed vocal nodules after performing in Wicked for over a year. While performing in London, it can be noticed that her voice has a harsher, huskier tone.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Pathology of respiratory system (J, 460-519), respiratory diseases
Upper RT
(including URTIs)
Acute
Other
Lower RT
(including LRTIs)
Other acute
Chronic
Lung diseases due to external agents
Other lung disease,
principally affecting
the interstitium
Other
Other/general
see also congenital (Q30-Q34, 748)
Languages