A 40-year-old teacher develops hoarseness at the end of each working day that recovers overnight. Laryngoscopy shows a translucent swelling at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of both vocal cords. The most appropriate initial management is:
- A Micro-laryngoscopic surgery for vocal cord stripping
- B Voice rest and speech therapy ✓
- C Steroid injection into the lesion
- D Carbon dioxide laser excision
Correct answer: B. Voice rest and speech therapy
Explanation
This presentation describes vocal cord nodules (singer's or teacher's nodules) — bilateral, symmetrical swellings at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of the cords, caused by vocal abuse. Initial management is always conservative: vocal hygiene, voice rest, and speech therapy. Surgery is reserved for nodules that fail to respond after 3–6 months of adequate voice therapy.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.