Do vocal cord polyps hurt?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 20, 2024
00:00
00:00

Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions that occur on the free edge of our vocal cords. After the occurrence of vocal cord polyps, the main symptom is hoarseness of voice. In severe cases, there may be loss of voice, and if the vocal cord polyps are large, it may cause a sensation of air leaking when speaking. Generally, vocal cord polyps do not cause pain unless there is concurrent acute pharyngitis, which then results in pain in the throat area. This pain is mainly due to the acute pharyngitis. During surgery for vocal cord polyps, anesthesia is typically used, so there is no pain during the procedure. The surgery is usually performed under a microscope, and there is no significant pain in the throat area after the surgery. In conclusion, vocal cord polyps do not cause pain.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
1min home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking Jinsang Sanjie Pills?

Patients with vocal cord polyps may find that medications such as Sanjie pills, which promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, have a certain therapeutic effect. The occurrence of vocal cord polyps is associated with factors such as long-term excessive use of the voice and exposure to cold, leading to polyp proliferation, and patients will experience a noticeable hoarseness in their voice. In the early stages of vocal cord polyps, medication can be used for treatment, and some patients may be cured. However, if the polyps have been proliferating for a long time, medication usually becomes ineffective, and surgical treatment is required. A common surgical method is the excision of vocal cord polyps under laryngoscopic support. After surgery, patients should be careful to rest their voice, avoid excessive voice use, and also avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 12sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
43sec home-news-image

What should I do about vocal cord polyps and nodules?

Vocal cord polyps and nodules are relatively common ENT diseases. After the onset, it is necessary to visit an ENT clinic for a laryngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition. If the condition is mild, conservative treatment with medications can be considered first, commonly including nebulization and oral traditional Chinese medicine, along with voice rehabilitation training. Many patients see gradual improvement after timely treatment. However, if the original condition is severe, the symptoms of hoarseness are pronounced, and conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, surgical removal may need to be considered, followed by monitoring for any recurrence.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps cause difficulty breathing?

Vocal cord polyps rarely cause breathing difficulties, but for some patients with large vocal cord polyps, there is a possibility of gradually developing breathing difficulties. Vocal cord polyps are often due to patients overusing their voice, or from physical and chemical factors such as irritations from smoking and alcohol, which then lead to edema of the vocal cord mucosa. Prolonged irritation can gradually form vocal cord polyps, and the main symptoms include a hoarse voice, throat pain, and difficulty breathing. Once vocal cord polyps are discovered, they generally need to be treated surgically. Smaller vocal cord polyps can also be treated with medication. If medication is ineffective, surgical treatment can also be considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps be treated conservatively?

Vocal cord polyps are relatively common otolaryngological diseases. Some patients may consider conservative treatments such as oral medication, nebulization therapy, and voice rehabilitation training. However, throughout the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the treatment effects. If symptoms like hoarseness gradually improve and the vocal cord polyps shrink after conservative treatments, it might be advisable to continue the treatment. Conversely, if hoarseness or the size of the polyps does not improve or continues to grow, conservative treatments are deemed ineffective, and surgical removal may be necessary. Post-operative regular check-ups are also essential to monitor for any recurrence. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)