Can vocal cord polyps be examined by B-ultrasound?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions of the vocal cords, mainly appearing as polypoid protrusions on the surface of the free edge of the vocal cords, sometimes with a thin stalk, and sometimes with a broad base. In clinical practice, vocal cord polyps are primarily examined using a laryngoscope, and can also be assessed via CT and MRI. However, ultrasound is not used to examine vocal cord polyps, as ultrasound produces many artifacts and the neck’s muscles and soft tissues are very rich, preventing ultrasound from correctly or fully displaying the condition of the vocal cord polyps. In summary, ultrasound is not used clinically to examine vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign proliferative lesions that occur on the surface mucous membrane of both vocal cords, and are also a type of chronic laryngitis. The main clinical manifestation is a hoarse voice, and it is very rare for it to become malignant. Factors such as improper vocal use due to professional reasons, respiratory infections, and other irritative factors can lead to vocal cord polyps. At this point, vocal cord polyps require surgical treatment; by surgically removing the proliferative polypoid tissue, the patient's voice can be restored and persistent hoarseness can be avoided. Additionally, after surgery, voice rest is necessary to help the healing of the vocal cord mucosal epithelium.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to effectively treat vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are neoplasms that occur in the anterior middle third of the vocal cords due to excessive voice use. The mucous membrane of the polyp is relatively smooth, and the base may be broad or pedunculated. During phonation, the shape of the glottis changes, thus patients with vocal cord polyps experience a hoarse voice and find speaking strenuous. If treatment with medications aimed at clearing blockages and dispersing accumulations is ineffective, surgery is generally considered. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with direct vision through a supported laryngoscope. Postoperatively, patients should avoid speaking and overusing their voice to reduce the risk of recurrence, and consume more foods that are cooling and reduce heat. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord polyps eat fish?

Vocal cord polyps can be consumed without any issues. Vocal cord polyps are abnormalities on the vocal cords that are usually caused by improper voice use, shouting loudly, or excessive fatigue over a long period. Typically, the condition affects one side of the vocal cords and leads to persistent hoarseness in the patient. If a patient experiences continuous hoarseness without signs of improvement, an electronic laryngoscopy is first required. Generally, a smooth, pale white abnormal growth can be found on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord, leading to incomplete closure of the glottis and resulting in hoarseness. In terms of treatment, the removal of vocal cord polyps requires a type of supporting laryngoscopy surgery, which necessitates hospitalization and general anesthesia. Post-surgery, antibiotics are used to prevent local infection. Furthermore, complete vocal rest is necessary for one week post-surgery before gradual recovery can occur. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician when using medication and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps must be surgically treated; otherwise, they will further aggravate. The cause of vocal cord polyps is often due to improper long-term vocal use, shouting loudly, or excessive fatigue. Alternatively, it can be caused by a digestive system disorder, where acid reflux stimulates and leads to vocal cord lesions. Patients will experience persistent hoarseness, and it tends to progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally affect one side. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, light red or light white abnormal growth can be observed at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The growth is soft and painless, with good vocal cord mobility, but incomplete glottic closure. In terms of treatment, conservative management is ineffective, and the patient requires direct laryngoscopy for polyp removal. The surgery requires hospitalization, and the patient can typically recover and be discharged within about a week.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord polyps drink alcohol?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of our vocal cords. People with vocal cord polyps should not drink alcohol for several main reasons: Firstly, alcohol directly irritates the vocal cords, which is a stimulatory effect. Secondly, after drinking alcohol, blood vessels dilate. The dilation of blood vessels in the vocal cord mucosa leads to vocal cord congestion and aggravated vocal cord edema, which further exacerbates inflammation. Thirdly, some patients may be allergic to alcohol. An allergic reaction can also cause congestion and increased edema of the vocal cord mucosa, worsening the condition of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, considering the aforementioned reasons, patients with vocal cord polyps cannot drink alcohol.