Can a speech therapist diagnose vocal cord nodules?

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I’d be grateful for help as I think my son has these and the GP is just saying “probably a strain - let it heal” but it’s been a month now....

Thanks in advance.

Bump

I think they are only diagnosed via a scope (camera down the throat)

A speech therapist should be able to do this or do the necessary referral.

No, you need an ENT referral to have it properly investigated - I'm guessing your son has a charge in the quality of his voice, it might or might not be nodules so needs to be diagnosed properly as there are many different voice disorders. Speech and language therapists provide support after a diagnosis of a voice difficulty, sometimes in specialist voice clinics they work in conjunction with the ENT consultant but in our area we have a blanket we do not see anyone until they have been properly investigated by ENT. I would suggest asking your gp again for referral as a persistent change in voice quality should be looked in to. You could also try and find the contact details for your local SALT department and ask their advice if you are having no luck with the gp.

Yes @flamingoshoes has it about right.

They have to be diagnosed by ENT as they will need a scope/ scan.

However, if it carries on and it is affecting his voice you could ask for a SALT referral for voice issues. The SALT can then refer onto ENT if the GP is reluctant for whatever reason.

Thank you!
Last night I found a “voice therapist” quite local to me (slt specialising in voice disorders) and she said to ask GP to refer to ENT (so what you guys said). But I’m worried dr will “gatekeep” as often happens in NHS.

Next questions (with thanks in advance).

Does the camera down throat cause more damage/soreness?

And are there any exercises it is safe to do pre-diagnosis (other than not talking)?

Camera down throat doesn't cause more damage. Before diagnosis, it's best to stick to “vocal hygiene " only really, as you don't want to accidentally cause more issues. If you want info on SLT the American Speech Language Hearing Association (www.asha.org I think) have good evidenced based easy to read info.

“Vocal hygiene” as in no shouting/singing/whispering and use steam?

I can see that might be best as he tends to take things to extremes....

Also (please) how long do you tend to leave it before seeking a referral? I believe son did ask GP when he first had weird swallowing sensation so at least it has been logged.....

Where I live referral to ENT would happen within 2 or 3 weeks of unresolving hoarse voice/changes.....sensation of lump in throat when swallowing is pretty consistent with nodules too so I'd thi k there's reason for referral now. But I don't know UK system.
Reflux, allergies, smoking, etc can all impact nodules so by vocal hygiene I really mean looking after your voice by minimising all those things that can impact it. I'll try and find you a good link.

Thank you.
He is not talking at home which is freaky. I’m frankly more worried about his mental health than anything else.....

His voice sounds normal when he does speak though it’s very quiet.

It’s been 6 weeks or so.....

Self refer directly to a speech therapist. They will make an ENT referral before proceeding with therapy.

thanks. Have agreed with DS that we'll seek referral via GP tomorrow as they will have a record of his previous report to them. If no luck with that will try self referral to SLT.

He says he feels fine first thing but once he starts using his voice it feels as though "something was trying to jump out of it".

update, DS has called his doctor and got a referral.

Fingers crossed it won't take too long.