The vocal cords (also called vocal folds) are two bands of smooth muscle tissue that produce the sound of a person’s voice. It is located in the larynx (voice box), which is in the neck at the top of the trachea (windpipe). Our surgeons diagnose and treat a broad range of vocal cord disorders, including: laryngitis, vocal nodules, vocal polyps, vocal cord paralysis, contact ulcers and laryngeal papillomatosis. For more information about these disorders, please click here.

Vocal cord disorders are often caused by vocal abuse or misuse, such as excessive use of the voice when singing, talking, smoking, coughing, yelling or inhaling irritants. Any hoarseness or change in voice that lasts longer than two weeks should be brought to the attention of a physician. Sometimes the hoarseness may be indicative of laryngeal cancer. To diagnose the vocal disorder, the physician will conduct a complete medical history and physical examination as well as examine the vocal cords through an indirect laryngoscopy (in which a small, long-handled mirror is inserted into the throat so parts of the larynx can be examined) or through a direct laryngoscopy (in which a lighted tube called a laryngoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth to provide a better view of the area).

Vocal cord disorders caused by abuse or misuse are easily preventable. In addition, most disorders of the vocal cords can be reversed. Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on: your age, overall health, and medical history; extent and type of vocal cord disorder; your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies; expectations for the course of the disease; your opinion or preference. Treatment may include any of the following:

• Eliminating the behavior that caused the vocal cord disorder
• A referral to a speech-language pathologist who has specialized training in treating voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders that affect communication
• Medication
• Surgery to remove growths