How to effectively treat vocal cord polyps?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on October 24, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are neoplasms that occur in the anterior middle third of the vocal cords due to excessive voice use. The mucous membrane of the polyp is relatively smooth, and the base may be broad or pedunculated. During phonation, the shape of the glottis changes, thus patients with vocal cord polyps experience a hoarse voice and find speaking strenuous. If treatment with medications aimed at clearing blockages and dispersing accumulations is ineffective, surgery is generally considered. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with direct vision through a supported laryngoscope. Postoperatively, patients should avoid speaking and overusing their voice to reduce the risk of recurrence, and consume more foods that are cooling and reduce heat. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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 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 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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequently occurring illness, primarily characterized by symptoms such as hoarseness and throat discomfort. After surgical removal of vocal cord polyps through suspension laryngoscopy, the patient's voice may still be hoarse in the short term. This hoarseness is mainly due to postoperative mucosal edema, and the general recovery period requires three to four weeks. Patients need to rest their voice and reduce vocal usage. Dietary precautions include avoiding spicy and irritating foods and reducing the incidence of colds and coughs. If a patient experiences a recurrence of vocal cord polyps, the main symptom is hoarseness. This can be confirmed through an examination with an electronic laryngoscope to determine whether the vocal cord polyps have recurred. There is still a certain probability of recurrence, which mainly depends on how the patient protects their voice in daily life.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Is the recurrence rate of vocal cord polyps high?

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology. Usually, if patients strictly protect their voice after undergoing vocal cord polyp surgery, the recurrence rate is generally low. However, patients in professions such as teaching, sales, and singing, who often strain their voices, may experience recurrence of vocal cord polyps. The formation of vocal cord polyps is due to the rupture of capillaries and edema in the vocal cord mucosa, leading to neoplasm proliferation. An electronic laryngoscopy can be used to clearly diagnose the disease. Patients with vocal cord polyps should be advised to strictly rest their voice and avoid excessive vocal strain. Surgical removal of the vocal cord polyps is necessary to cure the condition.