Do vocal cord polyps absolutely require surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 05, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps do not necessarily require surgery as there are various treatment options available. Clinically common treatments include medication, voice training, and surgical removal. If the polyp is small and the symptoms are mild, conservative treatment is generally recommended. This mainly involves voice training, oral medications, and nebulized drug therapy, along with regular check-ups using a laryngoscope to monitor changes. Most patients can effectively alleviate and recover through conservative treatment. However, if the polyp is large and causes significant hoarseness, surgical removal under a laryngoscope might be considered, followed by regular check-ups to prevent recurrence.

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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 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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is vocal cord polyp surgery under general anesthesia painful?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions located on the vocal cords, generally occurring unilaterally. Currently, treatment involves surgical removal under general anesthesia, utilizing a microscope and a supportive laryngoscope, or it can be performed using an endoscope; all these procedures require general anesthesia. After the general anesthesia, patients generally do not respond to pain, so the surgery is essentially painless, thus there is no need for excessive worry. After surgery, the vast majority of patients experience no pain. A minority of patients may have mild pain due to mucosal abrasions in the pharyngeal area, but most patients do not suffer pain.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to detect vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring diseases in otolaryngology. How to examine vocal cord polyps primarily involves assessing the patient's symptoms. For instance, if a patient develops vocal cord polyps, they will first exhibit symptoms of hoarseness. If the hoarseness persists and cannot be alleviated, an electronic laryngoscopy should be conducted initially. By using an electronic laryngoscope, the movement of the vocal cords and the condition of the vocal cord mucosa can be observed on a display screen, thereby identifying the presence of vocal cord polyps. For patients with vocal cord polyps, it is important in daily life to reduce voice use, avoid excessive vocalization, and lessen harmful habits such as smoking and drinking to prevent the occurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps eat eggs?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness. If the vocal cord polyps are small, conservative treatment can be considered. If the polyps are large and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. Regarding diet, eggs can be consumed. Eggs do not worsen the condition of vocal cord polyps nor do they affect the treatment outcomes. Overall, it is recommended to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. After treatment, it is also necessary to regularly re-examine the larynx to monitor changes in the condition.

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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.