Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are an occupying lesion in the throat area, taking the form of relatively larger polypoid formations. Vocal cord polyps typically require surgical removal, mainly performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. In the early stages of vocal cord polyps or when the polyps are small, some doctors may use medications, such as corticosteroid hormones or certain traditional Chinese medicines that clear the voice and benefit the throat. However, as vocal cord polyps tend to grow larger, reaching the extent of polyp development, it is difficult to treat them with medications alone and eliminate them pharmacologically. Thus, the prevailing recommendation for vocal cord polyps is surgical removal.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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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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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps minimally invasive surgery, how long until discharge?

Vocal cord polyps are benign tumor-like lesions that occur on the vocal cords. Clinically, they are primarily treated through surgery, which involves the removal of the polyps. Currently, minimally invasive surgery for vocal cord polyps is mainly performed under a surgical microscope with the support of a laryngoscope. Typically, hospitalization for this surgery lasts about three to five days, although a stay of around three days may also be sufficient, and it is treated as an emergency procedure. There is a growing trend for treating vocal cord polyps as day surgery in outpatient clinics, with approximately one day of hospitalization. This means that the surgery can be performed and the patient can be discharged on the same day. Day surgery requires a certain level of medical expertise and is possible in some high-level hospitals that can support this type of outpatient procedure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are an occupying lesion in the throat area, taking the form of relatively larger polypoid formations. Vocal cord polyps typically require surgical removal, mainly performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. In the early stages of vocal cord polyps or when the polyps are small, some doctors may use medications, such as corticosteroid hormones or certain traditional Chinese medicines that clear the voice and benefit the throat. However, as vocal cord polyps tend to grow larger, reaching the extent of polyp development, it is difficult to treat them with medications alone and eliminate them pharmacologically. Thus, the prevailing recommendation for vocal cord polyps is surgical removal.

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home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Do vocal cord polyps recur?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the vocal cords. Often, they are treated through surgical removal. After the removal of vocal cord polyps, there is a certain rate of recurrence. This is because the inflammation in the vocal cord area has not been fully controlled after the surgery. Recurrent and frequent upper respiratory infections stimulate the vocal cords. Also, inappropriate use of the voice, such as frequent vocalization and loud screaming, can damage the vocal cords and lead to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Other factors, such as diet, spicy and irritating foods, alcohol, and chili stimulation, can cause congestion and edema of the vocal cords to persist, leading to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of these aspects after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyp general anesthesia surgery process

Vocal cord polyp surgery under general anesthesia currently involves the use of a combined inhalation and general anesthesia approach, employing a supporting laryngoscope for the excision of the vocal cord polyp. Before the surgery begins, general anesthesia is administered. After the patient is under general anesthesia, the doctor uses a supporting laryngoscope to fully expose the vocal cord polyp. Next, through a fibroscope, in conjunction with fiberoptic instruments or a carbon dioxide laser, the vocal cord polyp is completely excised. The source of the vocal cord injury is repaired to make the vocal cord surface smooth, and then the surgery is concluded. After the surgery, the anesthetist waits for the patient to wake up from the general anesthesia before they can be taken back to their room. The overall duration of the procedure, from anesthesia to surgery to awakening, is typically about an hour or so. Of course, treatment needs to be tailored to the specific patient. In some patients, the vocal cord polyps may not be easily exposed under the supporting laryngoscope, which might extend the duration slightly, whereas in others, where the exposure is straightforward, the procedure may be relatively shorter.