Can Traditional Chinese Medicine cure vocal cord polyps?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 18, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps in traditional Chinese medicine are considered incurable because they are a benign tumor that must be surgically removed for a cure. The causes of vocal cord polyps generally include improper long-term voice use, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue. For instance, teachers and singers are prone to developing vocal cord polyps. These polyps can cause persistent hoarseness in the patient's voice, which progressively worsens. Vocal cord polyps usually occur unilaterally. During an electronic laryngoscopy examination, an abnormal neoplasm can be observed on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord, typically pale white or pale red, soft, painless, and not prone to bleeding. For treatment, the patient needs to undergo local surgical removal to be cured. The surgery, which can be performed under a supporting laryngoscope, involves the excision of the vocal cord polyp, and recovery typically takes about a week before discharge from the hospital. After surgery, patients need to take good care of their vocal cords to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if my vocal cord polyps are inflamed?

Patients with vocal cord polyps often experience inflammation, typically caused by the polyps which make it difficult to speak, subsequently leading to edema in the laryngeal mucosa and causing acute laryngitis. In such cases, it is essential to first rest the voice and avoid excessive vocalization. At the same time, oral administration of throat-clearing medicine and antibiotics is necessary to reduce inflammation. Patients diagnosed with vocal cord polyps should undergo support laryngoscopy surgery to remove the polyp tissue once contraindications have been ruled out, thus restoring normal vocal function. Post-surgery, it is crucial to strictly rest the voice for three to four weeks, while also avoiding spicy, irritating foods, and cold beverages to prevent exacerbating local inflammation.

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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 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.

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take to wake up from general anesthesia for vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring clinical benign tumors located on the vocal cords. Clinically, the main treatment is the removal of the vocal cord polyps under a microscope-assisted laryngoscope, performed under general anesthesia. Currently, our control technique for general anesthesia is very refined, and the surgery for vocal cord polyps generally takes about 15 minutes. After these 15 minutes, our patients gradually regain consciousness. Therefore, patients undergoing general anesthesia for vocal cord polyp surgery can progressively wake up after the surgery is complete. This is achievable due to our current precise control techniques in anesthesia and medication management, allowing patients to awaken promptly after the surgery.