How to detect vocal cord polyps

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 06, 2024
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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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps are proliferative protrusions located on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. The main causes of this condition are consuming spicy and irritating foods and harmful habits such as smoking and drinking, excessive use of the voice, and occupational factors. Vocal cord polyps are usually characterized by squamous proliferation on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, and cancerous changes are rare. If the surface of the vocal cords is uneven and the voice is notably hoarse, a biopsy treatment should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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chance of vocal cord polyps turning cancerous

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically presenting clinically with symptoms of a hoarse voice. Examination via electronic laryngoscopy reveals protruding polyp-like neoplasms on the free edge of the vocal cords. Clinically, malignant transformation of vocal cord polyps is rare and almost unseen. This rarity is attributed to the early presentation of hoarseness prompting patients to seek medical attention promptly, leading to early and active treatment. Therefore, clinical instances of vocal cord polyps developing into cancer are virtually nonexistent, even though theoretically possible; statistically, this likelihood is difficult to measure. In summary, it is crucial to actively address and treat vocal cord polyps upon diagnosis.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long is the hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign occupying lesions on our vocal cords. Generally, the removal of vocal cord polyps is performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. The hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery is usually short, and the surgery can even be performed in a day clinic. Typically, the stay lasts about 1-3 days, although in different medical units, it can be extended to 3-5 days or even 5-7 days. In any case, it's typically within a week. Moreover, as the procedure for vocal cord polyps is relatively less harmful, the hospital stay is generally short. Post-surgery, it is important to speak less and avoid straining the vocal cords to prevent the recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign proliferative lesions that occur on the surface mucous membrane of both vocal cords, and are also a type of chronic laryngitis. The main clinical manifestation is a hoarse voice, and it is very rare for it to become malignant. Factors such as improper vocal use due to professional reasons, respiratory infections, and other irritative factors can lead to vocal cord polyps. At this point, vocal cord polyps require surgical treatment; by surgically removing the proliferative polypoid tissue, the patient's voice can be restored and persistent hoarseness can be avoided. Additionally, after surgery, voice rest is necessary to help the healing of the vocal cord mucosal epithelium.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted after vocal cord polyp surgery?

The most important thing to pay attention to after vocal cord polyp surgery is to speak as little as possible, which means vocal rest. Typically, vocal rest should last between two to four weeks. The better you adhere to vocal rest, the better your voice will recover after the surgery. Once recovered, continue to minimize speaking and ensure correct pronunciation to prevent recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Another important consideration is avoiding environments with tobacco smoke; do not smoke and try to stay away from places where others are smoking. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, manage your emotions in daily life; do not rush or shout, as this can affect your recovery. Even if you do not yell when anxious, it can still lead to a less than optimal post-operative recovery.