Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 24, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps generally do not require surgery. If the polyps are relatively small or if the symptoms of hoarseness are not obvious, surgery is usually not necessary, and medication can be considered. The treatment is primarily through oral medications, combined with nebulization therapy. If possible, professional voice training can also be considered. Most patients can gradually recover through conservative treatment. However, if the polyps are large and cause noticeable hoarseness, surgery might be needed. Post-surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary, but such surgeries are usually minimally invasive, performed under a laryngoscope, and do not involve significant external injuries.

Other Voices

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Which is more serious, vocal cord nodules or vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord nodules and vocal cord polyps are both benign occupies of the vocal cord area. Vocal cord nodules appear as point-like and nodular protrusions, while vocal cord polyps appear as polyp-like protrusions, and thus, the volume of vocal cord polyps is relatively larger. Generally speaking, the hoarseness associated with vocal cord nodules is milder, while the hoarseness from vocal cord polyps is more severe. In terms of treatment, vocal cord nodules generally do not require surgical intervention and are mainly managed with voice rest and symptomatic treatment. On the other hand, vocal cord polyps almost always require surgical treatment for resolution. Therefore, overall, vocal cord polyps are more severe, while vocal cord nodules are relatively milder.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps inflammation symptoms

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. If vocal cord polyps are accompanied by infection and inflammation, clinical symptoms can be quite extensive, commonly including sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, burning, and itching, and there may also be a noticeable hoarseness. Generally, if the symptoms of vocal cord polyps are obvious and the inflammatory response is high, this situation can more significantly impact daily life and communication. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a laryngoscopy to assess the extent of the condition. In terms of treatment, oral medication and nebulization therapy are generally the main approaches, with a small number of patients requiring surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps eat bayberry?

People with vocal cord polyps should avoid eating bayberries, as bayberries are acidic and can aggravate acid reflux after consumption. The acid fluid and vapors can also irritate the throat, leading to the enlargement or recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Vocal cord polyps are generally caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, such as yelling loudly, excessive fatigue, and irritation from acid reflux. These polyps can cause the voice to become hoarse and progressively worsen. During examination, a pale, lychee-like mass can be found on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Regarding treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord polyps. Patients need to undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics are used to prevent local infection. Recovery is usually complete within about a week, allowing for discharge from the hospital.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps cause coughing?

Vocal cord polyps generally do not cause coughing in patients. Vocal cord polyps are vocal cord lesions caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting loudly, excessive yelling, or irritation of the vocal cords by acid reflux. They primarily cause the patient's voice to be hoarse and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. When examined with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth-surfaced, light red or pale white abnormal growth can be found on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord. The glottis moves well, but closure is incomplete, causing persistent hoarseness in the patient. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment for vocal cord polyps is ineffective, and patients need to undergo surgical treatment. The surgery can be performed with a support laryngoscope to remove the vocal cord polyp. Hospitalization is required for the surgery, and recovery with discharge is possible within about a week.

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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.