The difference between vocal cord polyps and pharyngitis

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 01, 2025
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Pharyngitis is primarily a nonspecific inflammation of the throat, which can be divided into acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis. Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by bacterial infections affecting the mucous membrane and submucosal tissues of the throat, leading to symptoms such as dry throat, burning sensation, sore throat, and pain when swallowing. The main pathogens involved are often streptococcus and staphylococcus, among others. Patients with chronic pharyngitis mainly experience a foreign body sensation in the throat, along with dryness and itchiness. In contrast, patients with vocal cord polyps, which mainly differ from pharyngitis, exhibit hoarseness. Typically, pharyngitis patients do not exhibit obvious hoarseness. Differentiation between the two can be achieved through an examination with a laryngoscope, which can determine the presence of obvious polyp growth on the vocal cords, thereby distinguishing between vocal cord polyps and pharyngitis.

Other Voices

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one talk?

Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions located on our vocal cords. Treatment for vocal cord polyps involves surgical removal. Surgery for vocal cord polyps does not mean that we are unable to speak or unable to speak normally. In fact, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, we can speak normally. Once the patient wakes from general anesthesia, they can speak normally. However, it is important to emphasize that we should speak less and speak normally. Do not use a falsetto voice, as this can more easily damage the vocal cords. Speak less and pay attention to using our resonance chambers and tongue, which assist the vocal organs. Avoid shouting, as this can prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms in the throat, primarily presenting clinically as hoarseness. Typically, vocal cord polyps are relatively large when detected, and various treatment methods often do not result in complete disappearance. Therefore, clinical treatment of vocal cord polyps mainly involves surgical removal. Sometimes, if patients are reluctant to undergo surgery, medication can be attempted. However, the likelihood of completely eliminating vocal cord polyps with medication alone is relatively low. If the condition does not improve or the polyps do not shrink or disappear after medicinal treatment, surgery is often necessary.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps cause a sore throat?

Patients with vocal cord polyps usually do not experience throat pain. The pathological basis for the occurrence of vocal cord polyps is edema and hyperplasia in the mucosal layer and Reinke's layer of the vocal cords, with hoarseness being the main symptom. The causes generally involve improper or excessive use of the voice, as well as harmful stimuli such as smoking and drinking, which lead to the proliferation of vocal cord polyps. The main treatments for vocal cord polyps currently include oral medications to clear the throat and benefit the voice, and surgical treatment. Surgical treatment primarily involves the endoscopic removal of the vocal cord polyps with support, and the patient must remain silent for three to four weeks post-surgery to allow the mucosal epithelium to recover, thereby improving the symptoms of hoarseness. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will vocal cord polyps recur after they are removed?

Vocal cord polyps are polyp-like benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Vocal cord polyps generally require surgical treatment, as medication typically cannot eliminate the polyps. Post-surgery, there is a certain recurrence rate for vocal cord polyps. The recurrence of vocal cord polyps is often related to factors such as excessive voice use, gastroesophageal reflux, or frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, it is important to avoid these factors to prevent recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord polyps eat sea cucumber?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness, which may be caused by excessive use of the voice. In terms of diet, sea cucumbers are safe to eat. Sea cucumber is a common type of seafood and does not have specific side effects on vocal cord polyps, nor does it affect the treatment effectiveness of vocal cord polyps. Generally, there is no direct conflict with the medications used to treat vocal cord polyps, so patients with vocal cord polyps can eat sea cucumbers normally. However, it is advised not to consume particularly spicy foods, and it is mainly necessary to complement with medication treatment or surgical treatment.