Causes of vocal cord polyps

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 22, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are a common condition in otolaryngology, with the main causes as follows: First, talking a lot. Here, talking a lot refers to normal speaking due to work or lifestyle reasons. Being in a work environment that requires extended periods of talking can lead to the development of vocal cord polyps over time. Second, improper voicing. Some people speak very hurriedly and tend to shout loudly; such habits over a prolonged period can lead to swelling of the vocal cord mucosa, which further develops into vocal cord polyps. Third, smoking. Patients who smoke heavily and for long periods can also develop vocal cord polyps, often compounded by speaking a lot while smoking, making it one of the most common causes of vocal cord polyps. Fourth, working or living in environments with significant pollution, drinking less water, and exposure to lots of dust are also common reasons.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is vocal cord polyp removal painful?

Vocal cord polyp removal surgery generally does not cause notable pain. Currently, there are mainly two types of surgery for vocal cord polyps. The first type is under general anesthesia, and the second type is under local anesthesia, including topical anesthesia. If you choose surgery under general anesthesia, the patient will be under anesthesia throughout the procedure and will not feel pain. However, there might be varying degrees of pain after the surgery, although it is generally tolerable. If you choose surgery under topical anesthesia, there might be some pain during the procedure, but it typically isn't severe. Post-surgery pain is usually not too intense, but regular follow-ups are necessary, mainly to monitor for any recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord polyps drink alcohol?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of our vocal cords. People with vocal cord polyps should not drink alcohol for several main reasons: Firstly, alcohol directly irritates the vocal cords, which is a stimulatory effect. Secondly, after drinking alcohol, blood vessels dilate. The dilation of blood vessels in the vocal cord mucosa leads to vocal cord congestion and aggravated vocal cord edema, which further exacerbates inflammation. Thirdly, some patients may be allergic to alcohol. An allergic reaction can also cause congestion and increased edema of the vocal cord mucosa, worsening the condition of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, considering the aforementioned reasons, patients with vocal cord polyps cannot drink alcohol.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Is it necessary to have surgery for vocal cord polyps?

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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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord polyps and pharyngitis

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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is it normal for vocal cord polyps to hurt?

Vocal cord polyps themselves do not cause significant pain. If pain occurs, it is necessary to consider the presence of pharyngitis or other issues causing throat pain. The main symptom of vocal cord polyps is hoarseness, which may be accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the throat, especially after excessive voice use or consuming spicy and irritating foods. These symptoms of hoarseness and throat foreign body sensation may further intensify. However, polyps alone do not cause pain. Therefore, if there is pain, it is necessary to investigate whether there are other pathological conditions. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy for a more accurate diagnosis. If the polyps are relatively large, surgery may be considered for removal.