Which is more serious, vocal cord nodules or vocal cord polyps?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Vocal cord nodules and vocal cord polyps are both benign occupies of the vocal cord area. Vocal cord nodules appear as point-like and nodular protrusions, while vocal cord polyps appear as polyp-like protrusions, and thus, the volume of vocal cord polyps is relatively larger. Generally speaking, the hoarseness associated with vocal cord nodules is milder, while the hoarseness from vocal cord polyps is more severe. In terms of treatment, vocal cord nodules generally do not require surgical intervention and are mainly managed with voice rest and symptomatic treatment. On the other hand, vocal cord polyps almost always require surgical treatment for resolution. Therefore, overall, vocal cord polyps are more severe, while vocal cord nodules are relatively milder.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

How long does it take to wake up from general anesthesia for vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring clinical benign tumors located on the vocal cords. Clinically, the main treatment is the removal of the vocal cord polyps under a microscope-assisted laryngoscope, performed under general anesthesia. Currently, our control technique for general anesthesia is very refined, and the surgery for vocal cord polyps generally takes about 15 minutes. After these 15 minutes, our patients gradually regain consciousness. Therefore, patients undergoing general anesthesia for vocal cord polyp surgery can progressively wake up after the surgery is complete. This is achievable due to our current precise control techniques in anesthesia and medication management, allowing patients to awaken promptly after the surgery.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps disappear on their own?

Vocal cord polyps cannot disappear on their own because they are a benign tumor. Without local surgical treatment, vocal cord polyps will continue to grow, causing the patient's hoarseness to worsen further. In severe cases, it can cause the patient to have breathing difficulties, leading to choking and even death. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper use of the voice over a long period, such as yelling loudly or excessive tiredness, leading to pathological changes in the vocal cord mucosa. They can cause persistent hoarseness in patients. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, light red or pale white abnormal neoplasm can be found on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The vocal cord moves well, but does not close completely. In terms of treatment, patients need to undergo local surgical excision to heal. After surgery, it is important to protect the vocal cords by avoiding yelling loudly or speaking entirely, and complete recovery can generally be achieved within about a week.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long is the hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign occupying lesions on our vocal cords. Generally, the removal of vocal cord polyps is performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. The hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery is usually short, and the surgery can even be performed in a day clinic. Typically, the stay lasts about 1-3 days, although in different medical units, it can be extended to 3-5 days or even 5-7 days. In any case, it's typically within a week. Moreover, as the procedure for vocal cord polyps is relatively less harmful, the hospital stay is generally short. Post-surgery, it is important to speak less and avoid straining the vocal cords to prevent the recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The causes of recurrent vocal cord polyps

The recurrence of vocal cord polyps is primarily due to patients not taking care to protect their voice usage, improper voice use, and failing to quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking. The main cause of vocal cord polyps is edema in the Reinke's layer of the vocal cord mucosa, which leads to the proliferation of the surface mucosa. The main symptom in patients is a hoarse voice. After undergoing support laryngoscopy and surgical removal of the vocal cord polyps, patients are required to refrain from speaking for three to four weeks to allow the vocal cord mucosa to recover and heal. If patients do not take care of their voice during this period, there is a possibility of recurrence of the vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord polyps eat beef?

Patients with vocal cord polyps can eat beef. Beef is a common type of meat and does not have any side effects on vocal cord polyps, nor does it exacerbate the condition or affect the treatment outcomes. It does not directly conflict with medications used to treat vocal cord polyps. For patients with vocal cord polyps, it is recommended to follow a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Additionally, timely medical treatment should be considered. For some patients where the condition of the vocal cord polyps is severe and medical treatment is ineffective, surgery may need to be considered.