Subscribe
Vocal cord polyps
What should I do about vocal cord polyps?
Vocal cord polyps are benign tumors located on the vocal cords, primarily caused by improper use of the voice or by inflammatory infections. When vocal cord polyps are suspected, it is essential to visit a hospital for an examination, primarily using a laryngoscope to assess the size of the polyps and check for any other vocal cord lesions. Once diagnosed, surgical intervention is often evaluated. Suitable cases are admitted to the hospital for surgery under a surgical microscope to remove the polyps. Generally, patients can be discharged three to five days after the surgery. The surgery involves microscopic techniques, so the trauma is minimal.
Vocal cord polyps minimally invasive surgery, how long until discharge?
Vocal cord polyps are benign tumor-like lesions that occur on the vocal cords. Clinically, they are primarily treated through surgery, which involves the removal of the polyps. Currently, minimally invasive surgery for vocal cord polyps is mainly performed under a surgical microscope with the support of a laryngoscope. Typically, hospitalization for this surgery lasts about three to five days, although a stay of around three days may also be sufficient, and it is treated as an emergency procedure. There is a growing trend for treating vocal cord polyps as day surgery in outpatient clinics, with approximately one day of hospitalization. This means that the surgery can be performed and the patient can be discharged on the same day. Day surgery requires a certain level of medical expertise and is possible in some high-level hospitals that can support this type of outpatient procedure.
The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer
The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer is firstly notable in their nature. Vocal cord polyps are benign lesions, and their removal generally does not significantly affect the patient's quality of life or lifespan. Laryngeal cancer, as the name implies, is a malignant lesion that greatly affects both the patient's quality of life and lifespan. Location-wise, vocal cord polyps are found on the vocal cords, while laryngeal cancer can be located in one of three areas: on the vocal cords, known as glottic laryngeal cancer; below the vocal cords, known as subglottic laryngeal cancer; and above the vocal cords, known as supraglottic laryngeal cancer. The prognosis for vocal cord polyps is very good; after surgery, if the patient rests well, their future quality of life is generally unaffected. Laryngeal cancer is divided into three types: glottic, supraglottic, and subglottic, with glottic being the most common, accounting for about 80%. This type of laryngeal cancer usually presents early symptoms such as hoarseness, similar to vocal cord polyps. Therefore, glottic laryngeal cancer can often be detected early. With prompt and correct treatment, the postoperative results can be good. As it typically involves highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, if it is completely excised surgically and regularly reviewed postoperatively, it doesn't greatly impact lifespan or quality of life. In contrast, subglottic and supraglottic laryngeal cancers often show symptoms later, which means they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, usually at a mid to advanced stage. Supraglottic laryngeal cancer, in particular, is prone to cervical lymph node metastasis, thus usually having a poorer prognosis compared to glottic laryngeal cancer. There's also a higher likelihood of recurrence and metastasis, and the surgery may involve greater trauma. These are the main differences.
The difference between vocal cord nodules and polyps
Vocal cord nodules are often bilateral symmetrical tiny nodules, while vocal cord polyps can be unilateral or bilateral. Vocal cord nodules commonly affect teachers, singers, orators, and other professions that involve excessive use of the voice. Vocal cord polyps, however, can be seen in all kinds of people. For vocal cord nodules, treatment usually begins with medication. If medication is ineffective, surgical treatment may be considered. For patients with vocal cord polyps, the most common treatment method is surgical removal of the polyps. Post-surgery, it is crucial to protect the voice and maintain silence to aid recovery. Generally, both vocal cord nodules and polyps can be cured.
The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules
Vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules are diseases caused by incorrect pronunciation or overuse of the voice, with the main clinical manifestation being hoarseness. The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules lies in their appearance under a laryngoscope: Vocal cord polyps often occur on one vocal cord, typically in the anterior one-third where a translucent, smooth swelling is found. This swelling can either have a broad stalk or a smaller stalk, and often, a hole can be observed with respiration. Vocal cord nodules are smaller and usually located symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. This implies that while polyps are commonly found on one vocal cord, nodules occur symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. From a general perspective, vocal cord polyps are wider and larger, whereas vocal cord nodules are only nodular lesions.
How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one eat normally?
Vocal cord polyps are mucous-like formations on the vocal cords. Clinically, vocal cord polyps are primarily removed through surgery. These polyps are benign lesions located in the vocal fold area, not in the digestive tract or the pharynx, therefore, they do not affect eating or swallowing. After surgery for vocal cord polyps, a patient can normally eat four to six hours after waking from general anesthesia. However, care must be taken not to cough violently while eating, and spicy or irritating foods should be consumed less or avoided altogether. This does not mean that one cannot eat normally after surgery for vocal cord polyps.
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.
Vocal cord polyp general anesthesia surgery process
Vocal cord polyp surgery under general anesthesia currently involves the use of a combined inhalation and general anesthesia approach, employing a supporting laryngoscope for the excision of the vocal cord polyp. Before the surgery begins, general anesthesia is administered. After the patient is under general anesthesia, the doctor uses a supporting laryngoscope to fully expose the vocal cord polyp. Next, through a fibroscope, in conjunction with fiberoptic instruments or a carbon dioxide laser, the vocal cord polyp is completely excised. The source of the vocal cord injury is repaired to make the vocal cord surface smooth, and then the surgery is concluded. After the surgery, the anesthetist waits for the patient to wake up from the general anesthesia before they can be taken back to their room. The overall duration of the procedure, from anesthesia to surgery to awakening, is typically about an hour or so. Of course, treatment needs to be tailored to the specific patient. In some patients, the vocal cord polyps may not be easily exposed under the supporting laryngoscope, which might extend the duration slightly, whereas in others, where the exposure is straightforward, the procedure may be relatively shorter.