Is the recurrence rate of vocal cord polyps high?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 31, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking Chinese medicine?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms on the free edge of our vocal cords. Once vocal cord polyps form, they are difficult to eliminate through medication and are generally removed surgically, as they are usually relatively large. In terms of using Chinese medicine, clinically, we mainly use Chinese patent medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice. However, these can only serve as an adjunctive treatment and cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps. Therefore, in clinical treatment, surgery is primarily used. Chinese medicine cannot eliminate vocal cord polyps, and this is something we must understand.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated in an outpatient clinic?

Some vocal cord polyps can be treated with outpatient surgery. This decision largely depends on the general health of the patient and the size of the polyps. If the polyps are not particularly large and the patient’s overall health is good, local anesthesia procedures in an outpatient setting might be considered. However, during the procedure, it is important for the patient to cooperate with the doctor to avoid serious complications. If the vocal cord polyps are larger or the patient's overall health is not very good, it is recommended to opt for inpatient treatment. With hospitalization, additional assessments can be made, followed by surgery under general anesthesia. In this scenario, the patient does not need to actively participate during the surgery, and the procedure is generally considered routine minor surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Early symptoms of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. If vocal cord polyps recur, they can cause related clinical symptoms, the most common being a hoarse voice. Some patients experience persistent hoarseness, while others have sporadic hoarseness. Moreover, the hoarseness generally becomes more pronounced after excessive use of the voice. In terms of treatment, the first step is to visit an otolaryngologist. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to examine the size of the polyp in detail. If the polyp is relatively small, conservative treatment may be considered, commonly involving oral medication combined with nebulization therapy. However, if the polyp is particularly large, surgery might be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take for vocal cord polyps to go away with medication?

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.)

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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.