How long does it take for vocal cord polyps to go away with medication?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 11, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps do not respond to medical treatment. The majority of vocal cord polyps are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice, such as prolonged speaking, overexertion, and shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. The disease typically affects one vocal cord, causing the patient to have persistent and progressively worsening hoarseness.

During an examination with a laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm with a thin stalk can be seen at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The vocal cord moves well but does not close completely.

In terms of treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord nodules and polyps. The patient needs to undergo a vocal cord polypectomy under a support laryngoscopy. This surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent local infection. Recovery and discharge can typically occur about a week post-operation. After recovery, patients are advised to speak softly and minimally, and avoid exhaustion to prevent recurrence.

(The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

Other Voices

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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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.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to care for vocal cord polyps symptoms

The more common symptoms of vocal cord polyps include hoarseness and a recurring sensation of a foreign body in the throat, which is generally a common condition. In daily life, it is necessary to speak as little as possible and avoid overusing the voice, as symptoms such as hoarseness from excessive voice use can significantly worsen and potentially promote further growth of the polyps. It is also recommended to follow a bland diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods, as frequent consumption of spicy foods can exacerbate throat inflammation. Regular follow-up examinations, such as laryngoscopic inspections to observe changes in the polyps, are necessary. If the polyps are large, surgical removal may need to be considered. If they are small, medication and nebulizer treatments can be considered initially to observe the effects.

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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 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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Causes of vocal cord polyps

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.