Vocal Cord Haemorrhage Treatment and Surgery
A vocal cord haemorrhage happens when blood leaks out of a blood vessel and into the vocal cord. This interferes with vibration and causes a hoarse voice. Often it occurs suddenly where the voice goes from normal to hoarse within seconds. It can be caused by singing, shouting or prolonged voice use and is more common in singers, actors and others with a high vocal demand. If the haemorrhage keeps happening it can lead to stiffness in the vocal cord and a longstanding hoarse voice that can be difficult to treat.
How is a vocal cord haemorrhage detected and what treatment is available?
A vocal cord haemorrhage is detected in clinic by examining the vocal cords using a rigid or flexible endoscope. Initial treatment involves voice rest and, in some cases, antibiotics and steroids. Voice therapy is also important to adjust any phonatory behaviours that may have caused the haemorrhage to develop. Voice rest is important following a diagnosis of a haemorrhage. Talking or singing with a haemorrhage can make the bleeding worse, delay recovery and possibly lead to long lasting stiffness of the vocal cord. Following the detection of a haemorrhage, you will be followed up in clinic until the signs of haemorrhage resolve. At this point, your vocal cord will be assessed to see if the source of the haemorrhage can be detected. Sometimes fragile vessels are detected that can lead to recurring episodes of bleeding.
What treatment options are available if I have a fragile blood vessel in my vocal cord?
The options for treating a fragile vocal cord blood vessel include observation or surgery. In some cases, bleeding will not occur again despite there being a vessel that looks fragile. Surgery involves using a specialist laser (KTP) to seal the vessel. This is performed under general anaesthesia (with you asleep) at The London Clinic. 3-7 days of voice rest are needed after the procedure followed by a week of gentle voice use.
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