The role of psychological factors in etiology of vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules are the most frequent benign lesions of vocal cords that are encountered by ENT specialists. Arising from the lamina propria of vocal cords they are located at the junction of anterior and middle thirds of vocal cord. This region is the most dynamic and contractile part of vocal cords in phonation. The underlying etiology must be known to implement appropriate treatment.The possible relation between vocal cord nodules and psychological factors were searched in this study. 47 women with vocal cord nodules and 42 controls free of any laryngeal symptom were evaluated with BAI, BDI, SSAS and BSI scales for psychological assessment. The results showed increased professional risk in the vocal cord nodule group and that psychological burden with anxiety and hostility contributed to the etiology.The results of this study along with other reports in the literature demonstrates that vocal cord nodule is a multifactorial and complicated pathology directly related with psychological factors.