Small growths that result from misusing the voice are known as vocal nodules, nodes, or polyps. Although smoking has been identified as a cause of cancer of the larynx, faulty use of the voice is more likely to cause nodules, nodes and polyps, or contact ulcers. Voice changes can be a sign of cancer and a doctor should be consulted. If you have hoarseness, voice change, or discomfort that lasts for more than ten days in the absence of an allergy or cold, you should have an examination by a medical doctor. This examination will help you decide whether your problem will require professional assistance.
Many problems improve dramatically with the help of a speech-language pathologist.
Some problems can profit by a combination of medical or surgical treatment and speech-language pathology service. When faulty use of the voice has caused a condition requiring surgery, the help of a speech-language pathologist will be necessary to avoid a recurrence of the problem. Contact us for more information. You will want to consult with both the laryngologist and the speech-language pathologist since lasting voice improvement is generally the result of a team approach. Contact us for more information.