Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are an occupying lesion in the throat area, taking the form of relatively larger polypoid formations. Vocal cord polyps typically require surgical removal, mainly performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. In the early stages of vocal cord polyps or when the polyps are small, some doctors may use medications, such as corticosteroid hormones or certain traditional Chinese medicines that clear the voice and benefit the throat. However, as vocal cord polyps tend to grow larger, reaching the extent of polyp development, it is difficult to treat them with medications alone and eliminate them pharmacologically. Thus, the prevailing recommendation for vocal cord polyps is surgical removal.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common type of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disease. Some cases require surgical treatment, while others can be managed conservatively. If the vocal cord polyp is small and the clinical symptoms are not particularly obvious, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended. Common treatments include oral medication and nebulizer therapy; if conditions permit, voice training can also be considered. Additionally, it is necessary to have regular check-ups to monitor changes in the vocal cord polyp. If the polyp is large and does not respond well to conservative medical treatment, surgical treatment might be considered, but regular post-operative check-ups are also necessary. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one talk?

Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions located on our vocal cords. Treatment for vocal cord polyps involves surgical removal. Surgery for vocal cord polyps does not mean that we are unable to speak or unable to speak normally. In fact, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, we can speak normally. Once the patient wakes from general anesthesia, they can speak normally. However, it is important to emphasize that we should speak less and speak normally. Do not use a falsetto voice, as this can more easily damage the vocal cords. Speak less and pay attention to using our resonance chambers and tongue, which assist the vocal organs. Avoid shouting, as this can prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can someone with difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath undergo vocal cord polyp surgery?

Difficulty breathing and chest tightness are very common symptoms in clinical practice. Since there are many triggering factors that can cause these symptoms, it is generally not recommended for patients experiencing difficulty breathing and chest tightness to undergo vocal cord surgery. It is advisable for patients to identify the triggering factors causing these symptoms and effectively improve these symptoms before considering vocal cord surgery. This is important because anesthesia, which is necessary for vocal cord surgery, could be harmful if the patient has underlying cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients find and eliminate the triggering factors, improve their current discomforting symptoms, and only consider vocal cord surgery after their symptoms have fully improved.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Some patients with vocal cord polyps may not require surgery, as the treatment of vocal cord polyps is mainly divided into two categories. The first category is conservative treatment, and the second category is surgical treatment. Surgical intervention might be considered if the polyp is particularly large and symptoms are prominent, such as hoarseness or breathing difficulties. However, if the hoarseness is not very pronounced and the polyp is relatively small or the clinical symptoms are not very typical, it is possible that the condition could be alleviated through medication. Common treatments include oral medication and nebulization, accompanied by voice training. With conservative treatment, many patients can achieve effective control, and some may even experience a gradual reduction in the polyp size. Regular follow-up examinations are advised to avoid excessive use of the voice.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How many days to recover the voice after vocal cord polyp removal?

Vocal cord polyp surgery is a relatively common otolaryngological procedure. After the surgery, recovery time can vary between individuals. Typically, within the first three days post-surgery, the vocal cords can exhibit significant congestion and swelling, potentially causing hoarseness that is even worse than before the surgery. However, nebulizer treatments can be considered during this phase to help improve the hoarseness. Generally, symptoms of hoarseness will gradually improve after three days, with noticeable improvement around one week. Most patients fully recover their voice in about two weeks, though individual variations exist. Therefore, it is advised to have regular follow-up examinations to observe the outcome after the surgery.