The difference between vocal cord nodules and polyps

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Early symptoms of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. If vocal cord polyps recur, they can cause related clinical symptoms, the most common being a hoarse voice. Some patients experience persistent hoarseness, while others have sporadic hoarseness. Moreover, the hoarseness generally becomes more pronounced after excessive use of the voice. In terms of treatment, the first step is to visit an otolaryngologist. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to examine the size of the polyp in detail. If the polyp is relatively small, conservative treatment may be considered, commonly involving oral medication combined with nebulization therapy. However, if the polyp is particularly large, surgery might be necessary.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated conservatively?

Vocal cord polyps are relatively common otolaryngological diseases. Some patients may consider conservative treatments such as oral medication, nebulization therapy, and voice rehabilitation training. However, throughout the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the treatment effects. If symptoms like hoarseness gradually improve and the vocal cord polyps shrink after conservative treatments, it might be advisable to continue the treatment. Conversely, if hoarseness or the size of the polyps does not improve or continues to grow, conservative treatments are deemed ineffective, and surgical removal may be necessary. Post-operative regular check-ups are also essential to monitor for any recurrence. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps turn cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps themselves are a type of benign lesion, with a very, very small chance of becoming malignant. However, if vocal cord polyps recur frequently, especially in conjunction with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as long-term smoking and drinking, there indeed exists a possibility of malignant transformation. Overall, though, this probability is relatively low, and the vast majority of cases are benign. However, in cases of frequent recurrence, it is important to watch for moderate or severe atypical hyperplasia, as this condition could potentially progress to cancer. Regular laryngoscopic examinations are needed in such cases, typically every three to six months. Additionally, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking, and to avoid excessive use of the voice.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking Chinese medicine?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms on the free edge of our vocal cords. Once vocal cord polyps form, they are difficult to eliminate through medication and are generally removed surgically, as they are usually relatively large. In terms of using Chinese medicine, clinically, we mainly use Chinese patent medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice. However, these can only serve as an adjunctive treatment and cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps. Therefore, in clinical treatment, surgery is primarily used. Chinese medicine cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps, and this is something we must understand.