04.23.08
Vocal Disorders, Injuries, and Illnesses
After my last post about the unfortunate development of Jordin Sparks’ vocal cord hemorrhage, I did some more poking around the internet and discovered that there are very few helpful sources on vocal disorders in general. So, in efforts to change that fact, I am posting a glossary of Vocal Disorders, Injuries, and Illnesses.
Cancer - Cancer on the vocal mechanism, or larynx, is called laryngeal cancer. It is an invasive growth that tends to spread throughout the neck and lungs. Laryngeal cancer is usually caused by smoking, and is rare among non-smokers. Vocal cancer is treated with surgery to remove the cancerous cells, and radiation or chemotherapy.
Cyst - Cysts are small mucus or puss-filled pockets that can develop anywhere on the body. On the vocal cords they seem to develop from a mucus gland becoming blocked, an abnormal development of the vocal cords from birth, or from excessive or improper use of the voice. Vocal cysts are treated with voice therapy, sometimes extensive vocal rest (we’re talking months to years - it’s rare, but it does happen), and surgery.
Hemorrhage - Hemorrhaging of any kind is bleeding. Vocal cord hemorrhage is exactly what it sounds like: bleeding vocal cords. It is usually caused by excessive, prolonged, or improper use of the voice, which causes open wounds on the vocal cords. Vocal hemorrhage is treated with a brief period of vocal rest (days to weeks), and voice therapy for reoccurring cases.
Laryngitis - Laryngitis is a general term for inflammation of the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness. I do not recommend self-diagnosing laryngitis, as prolonged hoarseness may have other, more serious causes than a little inflammation. Laryngitis is usually the result of a bacterial or viral infection in the body and is treated with vocal rest, hydration, and antibiotics if necessary.
Node/Nodules - A vocal Node/Nodule is, essentially, a callous, usually caused by extensive or improper use of the vocal cords. They are harder than polyps and usually form in a certain area of the vocal cords. Then can develop either slowly with a pre-node phase, or they can come on acutely with little warning (depending on the level of stress the voice is put through.) Vocal nodes/nodules are treated with vocal rest with subsequent therapy, and surgery in extreme cases.
Papilloma - Papilloma is the growth of warts on the larynx. It is caused by a virus and passed through intimate contact, including from mother to child during birth. The warts do not show up in everyone who carries the virus, and not everyone who comes in contact with the virus contracts it, either. Voice-use has nothing to do with the growth of the warts on the vocal cords. Just like other warts, Papilloma warts are nearly impossible to get rid of as the virus can never be rid from the body. Treatment is limited to repeated surgeries to remove repeated growths.
Polyp - A vocal polyp is, essentially, a callous caused by extensive or improper use of the vocal cords. They are softer than vocal nodes (or nodules), and may develop anywhere on the vocal cords. Vocal polyps are treated with vocal rest with subsequent therapy, and surgery in extreme cases.
Reflux - Acid reflux, or the flow of stomach acid up the esophagus, also can affect the vocal cords when this acid makes its way into the larynx. The vocal mechanism is much more sensitive than the esophagus and is much more effected by the acid, resulting in irritation and swelling. Over time, repeated fragility caused by acid exposure can make the vocal cords vulnerable to other complications, such as laryngitis and hemorrhaging. Treatment for reflux include dietary changes, antacids to manage stomach acid.
Scarring - Vocal cord scarring is usually caused by surgery on the vocal cords, but may result from diseases, or trauma to the neck or throat. The delicate surface tissue of the vocal cords lays loosely over the deeper tissues below, allowing for free vibrations when we vocalize. When this surface layer is partially made up of firm scar tissue, however, vibrations between the two vocal cords is severely limited and the voice is changed dramatically. Vocal scars should, overall, be prevented as much as possible. Once formed, however, vocal therapy and the gradual smoothing of the scar over time do yield some improvement. Surgery to smooth vocal scars is a rare and does not usually yield positive results.
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