Do vocal cord polyps hurt?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions that occur on the free edge of our vocal cords. After the occurrence of vocal cord polyps, the main symptom is hoarseness of voice. In severe cases, there may be loss of voice, and if the vocal cord polyps are large, it may cause a sensation of air leaking when speaking. Generally, vocal cord polyps do not cause pain unless there is concurrent acute pharyngitis, which then results in pain in the throat area. This pain is mainly due to the acute pharyngitis. During surgery for vocal cord polyps, anesthesia is typically used, so there is no pain during the procedure. The surgery is usually performed under a microscope, and there is no significant pain in the throat area after the surgery. In conclusion, vocal cord polyps do not cause pain.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps eat bayberry?

People with vocal cord polyps should avoid eating bayberries, as bayberries are acidic and can aggravate acid reflux after consumption. The acid fluid and vapors can also irritate the throat, leading to the enlargement or recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Vocal cord polyps are generally caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, such as yelling loudly, excessive fatigue, and irritation from acid reflux. These polyps can cause the voice to become hoarse and progressively worsen. During examination, a pale, lychee-like mass can be found on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Regarding treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord polyps. Patients need to undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics are used to prevent local infection. Recovery is usually complete within about a week, allowing for discharge from the hospital.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps cause coughing?

Vocal cord polyps generally do not cause coughing in patients. Vocal cord polyps are vocal cord lesions caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting loudly, excessive yelling, or irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. They primarily cause the patient's voice to be hoarse and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. When examined with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth-surfaced, light red or pale white abnormal growth can be found on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord. The glottis moves well, but closure is incomplete, causing persistent hoarseness in the patient. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment for vocal cord polyps is ineffective, and patients need to undergo surgical treatment. The surgery can be performed with a support laryngoscope to remove the vocal cord polyp. Hospitalization is required for the surgery, and recovery with discharge is possible within about a week.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take to recover normally after vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyp surgery usually involves the use of general anesthesia and a supported laryngoscope for the removal of the polyps. This type of surgery is relatively minimally invasive, so the general recovery time for vocal cord polyp surgery is about two to four weeks. During this two to four week period, it is crucial to rest, which means vocal rest and speaking as little as possible to aid the healing of the mucous membrane after the polyp removal and to prevent mucosal edema due to excessive phonation, which is detrimental to recovery. Post-surgery phonation is a very important factor in determining the pace of recovery. If phonation is inaccurate post-surgery, or if there is excessive talking, the recovery time may be extended. If proper vocal rest is maintained and phonation is correct and careful, recovery can be quicker. Therefore, some people may recover in two weeks, while others may take more than four weeks or even longer. In addition to vocal rest post-surgery, it is essential to ensure accurate phonation. It is crucial not to speak in a subdued voice; speak normally when necessary, or do not speak at all.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to effectively treat vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are neoplasms that occur in the anterior middle third of the vocal cords due to excessive voice use. The mucous membrane of the polyp is relatively smooth, and the base may be broad or pedunculated. During phonation, the shape of the glottis changes, thus patients with vocal cord polyps experience a hoarse voice and find speaking strenuous. If treatment with medications aimed at clearing blockages and dispersing accumulations is ineffective, surgery is generally considered. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with direct vision through a supported laryngoscope. Postoperatively, patients should avoid speaking and overusing their voice to reduce the risk of recurrence, and consume more foods that are cooling and reduce heat. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long is the hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign occupying lesions on our vocal cords. Generally, the removal of vocal cord polyps is performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. The hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery is usually short, and the surgery can even be performed in a day clinic. Typically, the stay lasts about 1-3 days, although in different medical units, it can be extended to 3-5 days or even 5-7 days. In any case, it's typically within a week. Moreover, as the procedure for vocal cord polyps is relatively less harmful, the hospital stay is generally short. Post-surgery, it is important to speak less and avoid straining the vocal cords to prevent the recurrence of the polyps.