TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chen Chih-hao (陳志昊), an ENT specialist at Kaohsiung Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, treated a 49-year-old woman’s vocal cord nodule by injecting medication into the lesion using an endoscope.
A vocal cord nodule is a benign, callus-like growth typically caused by prolonged vocal abuse or misuse and can lead to hoarseness and other voice problems. Treatments include voice therapy, surgery, and behavioral changes such as quitting smoking or adjusting diet.
Chen said the procedure does not require intubation or general anesthesia. Guided by an endoscope, a fine needle delivers steroids directly into the vocal cord to reduce local inflammation, per CNA. The treatment takes about 15 minutes and allows quick recovery.
He said the approach is well-suited for older adults. Many seniors experience hoarseness, choking, and a higher pneumonia risk due to vocal cord atrophy, and the treatment can improve cord closure and reduce respiratory complications.
Initial management usually starts with voice rehabilitation by a speech therapist to promote healing through proper technique, Chen said. If rehabilitation fails, the next step is microlaryngoscopic surgery under general anesthesia to remove a polyp.
Patients are advised to rest their voice for five days after the injection and avoid loud talking or singing for an additional two weeks.
Chen added that hoarseness may be linked to smoking or gastroesophageal reflux. If hoarseness lasts more than two weeks, it could signal vocal cord or throat cancer and should be evaluated.
According to Taipei Medical University, Taiwan records about 600–700 new vocal cord cancer cases annually. Early-stage cases are generally treated with radiation therapy or localized surgery, with success rates up to 95%.
