What should I do about vocal cord polyps?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps cause a sore throat?

Patients with vocal cord polyps usually do not experience throat pain. The pathological basis for the occurrence of vocal cord polyps is edema and hyperplasia in the mucosal layer and Reinke's layer of the vocal cords, with hoarseness being the main symptom. The causes generally involve improper or excessive use of the voice, as well as harmful stimuli such as smoking and drinking, which lead to the proliferation of vocal cord polyps. The main treatments for vocal cord polyps currently include oral medications to clear the throat and benefit the voice, and surgical treatment. Surgical treatment primarily involves the endoscopic removal of the vocal cord polyps with support, and the patient must remain silent for three to four weeks post-surgery to allow the mucosal epithelium to recover, thereby improving the symptoms of hoarseness. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Do you need to avoid certain foods if you have vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a common ENT disease, mainly caused by patients overusing their voice, or by long-term consumption of spicy, irritating foods, staying up late, smoking, alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. Therefore, patients with vocal cord polyps should avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, and also avoid staying up late, smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming strong tea and coffee etc. It is best to eat some cooling foods that relieve summer heat, or take proprietary Chinese medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice. Try to speak less, avoid staying up late, and avoid catching colds. Generally, if medication is ineffective, surgery may be considered. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How are vocal cord polyps caused?

The main causes of vocal cord polyps are improper voicing or excessive voice use. For example, professions that involve a lot of talking, such as teachers, salespeople, singers, actors, etc., can also lead to polyps after a single intense vocalization. For instance, clinically, it is seen in individuals who go to karaoke after drinking and shout loudly, straining their voice, which can then cause the formation of the vertical polyps. Additionally, upper respiratory infections, such as hoarseness following a cold, can also lead to the diagnosis of vocal cord polyps upon further examination. Therefore, the primary causes are improper or excessive voice use and some upper respiratory infections that lead to vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps eat eggs?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness. If the vocal cord polyps are small, conservative treatment can be considered. If the polyps are large and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. Regarding diet, eggs can be consumed. Eggs do not worsen the condition of vocal cord polyps nor do they affect the treatment outcomes. Overall, it is recommended to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. After treatment, it is also necessary to regularly re-examine the larynx to monitor changes in the condition.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps have to be surgically removed?

Vocal cord polyps must be treated surgically. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper vocal use for an extended period, overexertion, and yelling, leading to vocal cord lesions. Typically, the disease affects only one vocal cord, causing the patient's voice to be hoarse, with symptoms worsening continuously. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a pale white or pale red smooth granule can be observed on the anterior middle third of the unilateral vocal cord, resulting in incomplete closure of the glottis and consequently a hoarse voice. In terms of treatment, conservative management for vocal cord polyps is ineffective. Patients must undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under suspension laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, followed by the use of antibiotics postoperatively to avoid local infection. Recovery usually allows discharge from the hospital after about a week. However, after recovery, patients still need to speak softly and sparingly, avoid catching colds, and prevent recurrence. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)