Schedule an appointment by calling us at 734-936-8051.

A change in the quality of your voice and constant hoarseness are often the first signs of a vocal cord lesion. Depending upon the size and nature of the nodule, polyp or cyst, you can experience a wide range of voice disturbances.

Other typical symptoms include:

• Vocal fatigue
• Unreliable voice
• Delayed voice initiation
• Low, gravelly voice
• Low pitch
• Voice breaks in the beginning of sentences
• Airy or breathy voice
• Inability to sing in high, soft voice
• Need increased effort to speak or sing
• Hoarse and rough voice quality
• Frequent throat clearing
• Extra force needed for voice
• Voice is “hard to find”

At the U-M Health Vocal Health Center, we will:

• Take a complete history of your voice problem 
• Evaluate your speaking method
• Examine your vocal cords

Your physician will also evaluate the extent to which any of these conditions are affecting your voice:

• Acid reflux disease 
• Allergies
• Side effects of medications
• Hormonal imbalances

The most common non-surgical treatment options for vocal fold lesions include:

• Voice rest
• Voice therapy
• Singing voice therapy

If surgery is needed, the most common surgical treatment option is:

• Phonomicrosurgery – Phonomicrosurgery is usually performed through a rigid tube called a laryngoscope that is inserted through the mouth. The tube lets the physician see the vocal folds clearly to help make a diagnosis. The physician may use this procedure to remove any diseased tissue or lesions. The use of magnification and delicate instruments makes this possible. Surgery takes about one hour and patients are discharged the same day.