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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to take care of vocal cord polyps in daily life?

Vocal cord polyps are primarily caused by improper voice use, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue, leading to vocal cord lesions. They cause persistent hoarseness in patients and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. If a patient experiences persistent hoarseness, they should first visit a hospital for an examination using a laryngoscope. In the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, a pale white or pale red, smooth-surfaced abnormal neoplasm will be found. This causes incomplete closure of the vocal cords and results in hoarseness. For treatment, vocal cord polyps require the removal through endoscopic support with a laryngoscope. Surgery requires hospitalization, and complete vocal rest for a week post-surgery, along with speaking softly and eating a bland diet, can gradually improve the condition and prevent recurrent episodes.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps should be seen by the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department.

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Therefore, they are primarily treated in the otolaryngology departments of clinics. In larger comprehensive hospitals, where specialties are more detailed, one might see an expert in the pharyngology or laryngology departments. In traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, patients might visit the department of otorhinolaryngology, which is included within the broader five senses (otorhinolaryngology) department. In general, the treatment of vocal cord polyps is predominantly managed by otolaryngologists, with the main treatment method being surgical removal of the polyps. After surgery, it is recommended to speak less to avoid the recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What foods are good for vocal cord polyps?

Patients with vocal cord polyps can generally eat normal foods such as steamed buns, filled buns, porridge, rice, and fruits, as these do not exacerbate the condition nor interfere with the treatment of vocal cord polyps. These foods also do not conflict directly with medications used to treat vocal cord polyps. However, it is recommended to avoid spicy, irritating foods and foods that can easily cause allergies, as these may affect the condition of vocal cord polyps. Patients with vocal cord polyps are advised to visit an otolaryngology department after the onset of the disease, where routine blood tests and laryngoscope examinations can be conducted to assess the specific severity of the condition, thus allowing for targeted treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Some patients with vocal cord polyps may not require surgery, as the treatment of vocal cord polyps is mainly divided into two categories. The first category is conservative treatment, and the second category is surgical treatment. Surgical intervention might be considered if the polyp is particularly large and symptoms are prominent, such as hoarseness or breathing difficulties. However, if the hoarseness is not very pronounced and the polyp is relatively small or the clinical symptoms are not very typical, it is possible that the condition could be alleviated through medication. Common treatments include oral medication and nebulization, accompanied by voice training. With conservative treatment, many patients can achieve effective control, and some may even experience a gradual reduction in the polyp size. Regular follow-up examinations are advised to avoid excessive use of the voice.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Are white vocal cord polyps cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps are mainly caused by overuse of the voice by patients, or by edema of the mucous membrane due to smoking, alcohol, and physical or chemical irritations, which gradually form vocal cord polyps. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, if whitening of the vocal cord mucosa or symptoms such as folds or erosion are found, it may indicate an early stage lesion of a tumor, or that a tumor has developed, which is often seen in cases of leukoplakia or squamous carcinoma of the vocal cords. If such conditions are discovered, it is important for the patient to take them seriously and promptly visit a hospital for a pathological biopsy to determine if there has been a pathological change in the vocal cords. If a pathological change is confirmed, it is necessary to promptly remove the pathological tissue through carbon dioxide laser surgery or support laryngoscopy surgery to achieve timely treatment.