Editing Human voice (section)

==Vocal cord nodules and polyps==
[[Vocal nodules]] are caused over time by repeated abuse of the vocal cords which results in soft, swollen spots on each vocal cord.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thevoiceusa.com/category/thevoice/|title=The Voice - Casting, Contestants, Auditions, Voting and Winners|website=The Voice 2020 Season 18|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-25|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127002130/http://thevoiceusa.com/category/thevoice/|url-status=dead}}</ref> These spots develop into harder, callous-like growths called nodules. The longer the abuse occurs the larger and stiffer the nodules will become. Most polyps are larger than nodules and may be called by other names, such as polypoid degeneration or Reinke's edema. Polyps are caused by a single occurrence and may require surgical removal. Irritation after the removal may then lead to nodules if additional irritation persists. Speech-language therapy teaches the patient how to eliminate the irritations permanently through habit changes and vocal hygiene.
[[Dysphonia|Hoarseness]] or breathiness that lasts for more than two weeks is a common symptom of an underlying voice disorder such as nodes or polyps and should be investigated medically.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.aafp.org/afp/980600ap/rosen.html|title=Evaluating Hoarseness: Keeping Your Patient's Voice Healthy|volume=57|issue=11|pages=2775|author=Clark A. Rosen-Deborah Anderson-Thomas Murry|website=aafp.org|date=June 1998|access-date=30 July 2010|archive-date=24 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624072552/http://www.aafp.org/afp/980600ap/rosen.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>