Did you know that whether you’re talking normally, yelling or whispering, two tiny structures in your throat, commonly known as the vocal cords, collide and vibrate in various patterns to generate sound? If your vocal cords rub up against each other in a manner that generates more than enough friction, the specific spot where your vocal cords collide repeatedly could become inflamed and irritated. With this in mind, to prevent damage and further, you need to take good care of your vocal cords.
But first, you need to know about the common types of vocal cord lesions. When you come in for your consultation here at Midwest ENT in Chicago, IL, our ENT doctor, Dr. Gordon Siegel will examine your symptoms and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Depending on your symptoms you may be diagnosed with one of these vocal cord lesions.
Cysts
Cysts are, basically, sacs filled with mucus or fluid. They typically develop when irritation on your vocal cords cause a glandular duct blockage. This duct is a tiny opening situated in your vocal cords’ tissue lining and it emits mucus and other kinds of substances. When this gets clogged, mucus accumulation may occur and result in the development of a vocal cord cyst. The cyst could then significantly change the natural vibration frequency of your voice that, in turn, could lead to an obvious change in your voice.
Polyps
These are the most common kind of vocal cord lesions. A polyp can develop when your vocal cords repeatedly knock into each other and become inflamed or irritated. In general, polyps form during a traumatic event, like a prolonged period of shouting for instance, that causes blood blisters that turn into polyps. Polyps come in different sizes and can form on just one or both of your vocal cords.
Nodules
Nodules are usually caused by repeated irritation of the vocal cords. They typically appear on both vocal cords, are firm, and look like calluses. Left unaddressed, nodules will continue growing and stiffening. This is why early diagnosis and prompt treatment is vital. Here at Midwest ENT in Chicago, IL, our ENT doctors can determine which vocal lesion you may have and suggest the most suitable treatment options available for your specific case.
Scars
These occur when your body tries to repair a vocal cord injury. Scar tissue is harder than normal tissue and can create vibrations that will alter your voice. Unlike polyps and nodules that you can treat with medications and therapy, scars on your vocal cords are permanent, unless you opt for surgery.
Do you suspect that you have a vocal cord lesion?
Vocal cord lesions can negatively affect the function of your vocal cords and change how your voice sounds. To that end, call Midwest ENT in Chicago, IL, at (312) 988-7777 to schedule your consultation with our ENT doctors, Dr. Gordon Siegel.
Midwest ENT is a member of Northwestern Private Practice, a group of independent physicians that provide top medical care to patients living in Chicagoland. We are all physicians with teaching appointments in the Feinberg Northwestern School of Medicine, and have the same privileges as the employed physicians. In most cases, we can see our existing or new patients in a timely fashion. We have physicians in almost every field of medicine and are committed to preserving the best quality of care. You can learn more about us on our website: www.northwesternprivatepractice.com. We look forward to the privilege of serving you now and for many years in the future.