Is the recurrence rate of vocal cord polyps high?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

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

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
51sec home-news-image

How to effectively treat vocal cord polyps?

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps be examined by B-ultrasound?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions of the vocal cords, mainly appearing as polypoid protrusions on the surface of the free edge of the vocal cords, sometimes with a thin stalk, and sometimes with a broad base. In clinical practice, vocal cord polyps are primarily examined using a laryngoscope, and can also be assessed via CT and MRI. However, ultrasound is not used to examine vocal cord polyps, as ultrasound produces many artifacts and the neck’s muscles and soft tissues are very rich, preventing ultrasound from correctly or fully displaying the condition of the vocal cord polyps. In summary, ultrasound is not used clinically to examine vocal cord polyps.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
42sec home-news-image

What should not be eaten with vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological ailment. In terms of diet, it is advised not to consume spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and black pepper, as well as foods that are likely to cause allergies. These foods can directly irritate the throat and vocal cords, potentially exacerbating symptoms such as hoarseness and possibly causing throat pain and a sensation of a foreign object in the throat. Patients with vocal cord polyps should visit an otolaryngology clinic after symptoms appear. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can help determine the specific cause and extent of the condition, which then facilitates targeted treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

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.