Is it necessary to have surgery for vocal cord polyps?

Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 26, 2024

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After diagnosing vocal cord polyps, it is necessary to decide whether surgery is needed based on the size of the polyps and the effectiveness of conservative treatment. If the polyps appear large under laryngoscopy and have a broad base, and conservative treatment is judged to be ineffective, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible. If the polyps are small, and the doctor assesses that there is a possibility of recovery through conservative treatment and voice rest, then conservative treatment can be initially adopted for a period of time. If after conservative treatment the vocal cord polyps have not completely disappeared, or even worsened, it is also advisable to pursue aggressive surgical treatment. Therefore, whether surgery is necessary for vocal cord polyps needs to be determined by the doctor based on the results of laryngoscopy and conservative treatment.

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Why does vocal cord polyp surgery require general anesthesia?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common type of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disorder. For larger polyps where conservative treatment with medication is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered. Currently, the main surgical procedure is the excision of vocal cord polyps under a supported laryngoscope, which requires general anesthesia. This is because the procedure is difficult for patients to endure without general anesthesia, as the supported laryngoscope is a type of metal tube that needs to be inserted through the mouth into the pharynx. Local anesthesia would be insufficient as patients might struggle to cooperate and tolerate the pain or nausea, hence general anesthesia is necessary for the surgery.

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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking Jinsang Sanjie Pills?

Patients with vocal cord polyps may find that medications such as Sanjie pills, which promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, have a certain therapeutic effect. The occurrence of vocal cord polyps is associated with factors such as long-term excessive use of the voice and exposure to cold, leading to polyp proliferation, and patients will experience a noticeable hoarseness in their voice. In the early stages of vocal cord polyps, medication can be used for treatment, and some patients may be cured. However, if the polyps have been proliferating for a long time, medication usually becomes ineffective, and surgical treatment is required. A common surgical method is the excision of vocal cord polyps under laryngoscopic support. After surgery, patients should be careful to rest their voice, avoid excessive voice use, and also avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Can Traditional Chinese Medicine cure vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps in traditional Chinese medicine are considered incurable because they are a benign tumor that must be surgically removed for a cure. The causes of vocal cord polyps generally include improper long-term voice use, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue. For instance, teachers and singers are prone to developing vocal cord polyps. These polyps can cause persistent hoarseness in the patient's voice, which progressively worsens. Vocal cord polyps usually occur unilaterally. During an electronic laryngoscopy examination, an abnormal neoplasm can be observed on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord, typically pale white or pale red, soft, painless, and not prone to bleeding. For treatment, the patient needs to undergo local surgical removal to be cured. The surgery, which can be performed under a supporting laryngoscope, involves the excision of the vocal cord polyp, and recovery typically takes about a week before discharge from the hospital. After surgery, patients need to take good care of their vocal cords to prevent recurrence.

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The difference between vocal cord nodules and polyps

Vocal cord nodules are often bilateral symmetrical tiny nodules, while vocal cord polyps can be unilateral or bilateral. Vocal cord nodules commonly affect teachers, singers, orators, and other professions that involve excessive use of the voice. Vocal cord polyps, however, can be seen in all kinds of people. For vocal cord nodules, treatment usually begins with medication. If medication is ineffective, surgical treatment may be considered. For patients with vocal cord polyps, the most common treatment method is surgical removal of the polyps. Post-surgery, it is crucial to protect the voice and maintain silence to aid recovery. Generally, both vocal cord nodules and polyps can be cured.

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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps must be surgically treated; otherwise, they will further aggravate. The cause of vocal cord polyps is often due to improper long-term vocal use, shouting loudly, or excessive fatigue. Alternatively, it can be caused by a digestive system disorder, where acid reflux stimulates and leads to vocal cord lesions. Patients will experience persistent hoarseness, and it tends to progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally affect one side. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, light red or light white abnormal growth can be observed at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The growth is soft and painless, with good vocal cord mobility, but incomplete glottic closure. In terms of treatment, conservative management is ineffective, and the patient requires direct laryngoscopy for polyp removal. The surgery requires hospitalization, and the patient can typically recover and be discharged within about a week.