How to check vocal cord nodules, teach you the diagnostic method

Patients with vocal cord nodules need to undergo laryngoscopy. The types of laryngoscopy can be divided into many types, mainly indirect laryngoscopy, direct laryngoscopy, fiberoptic laryngoscopy, electronic laryngoscopy, stroboscopic laryngoscopy, etc. If necessary, everyone must follow the doctor's advice to go for the examination.

1. Laryngoscopy (indirect laryngoscope, direct laryngoscope, fiberoptic laryngoscope, electronic laryngoscope, stroboscopic laryngoscope, etc.): Diagnosis can be made through various laryngoscopy examinations combined with clinical symptoms.

2. Typical vocal cord nodules are symmetrical nodular protrusions at the junction of the anterior and middle 1/3 of the bilateral vocal cords. In the early stage, secretions can be seen at the junction of the anterior and middle 1/3 of the free edge of the vocal cord when voice is produced. When the vocal cord is abducted, the secretions appear in the form of threads across the glottic fissure. After that, the mucosa of the vocal cord becomes edematous, soft and reddish. In the late stage, it gradually becomes small grayish-white bumps with a smooth surface and a firm feel, about half the size of a grain of rice, becoming obvious nodules. Nodules generally occur symmetrically on both sides, but occasionally one side is larger and the other smaller, or only one side is visible. Vocal cord nodules can appear as localized small protrusions or as broad-based fusiform thickenings. The former is more common in singers with improper voice, while the latter is common in other professionals who overuse their voice. When speaking, the tubercles on both sides press against each other, preventing the glottis from closing completely, forming an "hourglass" shape.

3. Those who are not satisfied with indirect laryngoscopy observation can undergo observation with direct laryngoscopy, fiber laryngoscopy, electronic laryngoscopy, stroboscopy, etc. Among them, stroboscopy examination can observe both the morphology of the vocal cords and the movement of the vocal cords at the same time. In addition, various voice acoustic assessment tests and aerodynamic assessments can be performed to understand the extent to which the vocal cords and airflow through the glottis are affected by the pathology during phonation.