Do vocal cord polyps hurt?

Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

Updated on February 04, 2025

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Vocal cord polyps are a very common condition in otolaryngology. They generally do not cause pain because they are a disease caused by talking excessively or improper pronunciation over the long term, rather than an acute inflammation. Therefore, pain from vocal cord polyps is rare. The main symptom is hoarseness. Vocal cord polyps are caused by excessive talking, which over time leads to thickening of the mucous membrane on the surface of the vocal cords and even hyperplasia, forming minor lesions. This can cause incomplete closure of the glottis, resulting in hoarseness, difficulty reaching high notes, and other related symptoms. It is very rare for vocal cord polyps to cause pain, and this is not a main symptom.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

44sec

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Do vocal cord polyps definitely require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps do not necessarily require surgery. This decision mainly depends on the size of the polyp and the symptoms presented. If the polyp is small and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, it may be considered to observe and manage with oral medications and nebulized treatments. It is also important to minimize speaking and avoid overusing the voice. If the polyp is larger, and there are noticeable symptoms such as a hoarse voice, or if it affects normal breathing and swallowing, surgery is generally considered. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor recovery. It is crucial to avoid overusing the voice and to regularly have laryngoscopic exams to check for any recurrence.

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Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

1min 17sec

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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.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

54sec

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Do vocal cord polyps cause a sensation of a foreign body?

A small subset of patients may feel a foreign body sensation in their vocal cord system. Generally, if the polyp is small, it is unlikely to cause a feeling of a foreign body. Most commonly, it causes hoarseness. If the sensation of a foreign body in the throat is prominent, this condition is primarily considered to be caused by chronic pharyngitis. Of course, if the vocal cord polyp is large, especially if it is a pedunculated vocal cord polyp, movement of the vocal cords, such as during speaking or breathing, may cause a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. It can also cause hoarseness, and more severe cases may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If there are particularly severe and large bilateral vocal cord polyps, intense activity may lead to breathing difficulties and even cause suffocation due to impaired breathing.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

59sec

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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 Yao Jun

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

47sec

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Do you need to avoid certain foods if you have vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a common ENT disease, mainly caused by patients overusing their voice, or by long-term consumption of spicy, irritating foods, staying up late, smoking, alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. Therefore, patients with vocal cord polyps should avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, and also avoid staying up late, smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming strong tea and coffee etc. It is best to eat some cooling foods that relieve summer heat, or take proprietary Chinese medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice. Try to speak less, avoid staying up late, and avoid catching colds. Generally, if medication is ineffective, surgery may be considered. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)