Symptoms of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 28, 2024
00:00
00:00

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequently occurring illness, primarily characterized by symptoms such as hoarseness and throat discomfort. After surgical removal of vocal cord polyps through suspension laryngoscopy, the patient's voice may still be hoarse in the short term. This hoarseness is mainly due to postoperative mucosal edema, and the general recovery period requires three to four weeks. Patients need to rest their voice and reduce vocal usage. Dietary precautions include avoiding spicy and irritating foods and reducing the incidence of colds and coughs. If a patient experiences a recurrence of vocal cord polyps, the main symptom is hoarseness. This can be confirmed through an examination with an electronic laryngoscope to determine whether the vocal cord polyps have recurred. There is still a certain probability of recurrence, which mainly depends on how the patient protects their voice in daily life.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps turn cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps themselves are a type of benign lesion, with a very, very small chance of becoming malignant. However, if vocal cord polyps recur frequently, especially in conjunction with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as long-term smoking and drinking, there indeed exists a possibility of malignant transformation. Overall, though, this probability is relatively low, and the vast majority of cases are benign. However, in cases of frequent recurrence, it is important to watch for moderate or severe atypical hyperplasia, as this condition could potentially progress to cancer. Regular laryngoscopic examinations are needed in such cases, typically every three to six months. Additionally, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking, and to avoid excessive use of the voice.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

Is nebulization effective for vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps refer to benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords. These neoplasms cause hoarseness, which is persistent, and in severe cases, may lead to voice loss or a distinct sensation of a lump when speaking. Clinically, vocal cord polyps are primarily removed through surgery. Nebulized inhalation treatments with medication can help reduce the swelling of the vocal cord polyps and alleviate congestion. Thus, nebulized inhalation plays a definite role in the treatment of vocal cord polyps, but it should not be expected to completely eliminate the polyps, as this is unrealistic and unachievable. Post-surgical nebulized inhalation can help reduce congestion and swelling, and actively aid in the recovery from vocal cord polyp surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
2min 2sec home-news-image

The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer

The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer is firstly notable in their nature. Vocal cord polyps are benign lesions, and their removal generally does not significantly affect the patient's quality of life or lifespan. Laryngeal cancer, as the name implies, is a malignant lesion that greatly affects both the patient's quality of life and lifespan. Location-wise, vocal cord polyps are found on the vocal cords, while laryngeal cancer can be located in one of three areas: on the vocal cords, known as glottic laryngeal cancer; below the vocal cords, known as subglottic laryngeal cancer; and above the vocal cords, known as supraglottic laryngeal cancer. The prognosis for vocal cord polyps is very good; after surgery, if the patient rests well, their future quality of life is generally unaffected. Laryngeal cancer is divided into three types: glottic, supraglottic, and subglottic, with glottic being the most common, accounting for about 80%. This type of laryngeal cancer usually presents early symptoms such as hoarseness, similar to vocal cord polyps. Therefore, glottic laryngeal cancer can often be detected early. With prompt and correct treatment, the postoperative results can be good. As it typically involves highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, if it is completely excised surgically and regularly reviewed postoperatively, it doesn't greatly impact lifespan or quality of life. In contrast, subglottic and supraglottic laryngeal cancers often show symptoms later, which means they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, usually at a mid to advanced stage. Supraglottic laryngeal cancer, in particular, is prone to cervical lymph node metastasis, thus usually having a poorer prognosis compared to glottic laryngeal cancer. There's also a higher likelihood of recurrence and metastasis, and the surgery may involve greater trauma. These are the main differences.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

Can small vocal cord polyps be managed without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are a fairly common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, if the absorption is minimal, conservative pharmacological treatment is generally considered first rather than surgical intervention. Common treatments include oral medications, often supplemented with nebulization. Typically, with standardized pharmacological treatment, symptoms of hoarseness can gradually improve within one to two weeks. However, regular laryngoscopy follow-ups are necessary to monitor changes in the condition. Additionally, voice training can be considered to improve everyday vocal techniques, which can also help alleviate symptoms of hoarseness. Overall, most patients with minor vocal cord polyps can be successfully treated conservatively. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)