Will vocal cord polyps grow back after being removed?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on July 02, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are benign tumors located on the vocal cords, and they can recur after surgical removal. The main reason for recurrence is the improper use of the voice, excessive misuse of the vocal cords, or incorrect vocal techniques. Additionally, external inflammation stimuli, such as frequent and recurrent upper respiratory infections, and conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, which irritates the vocal cords, can also lead to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, after vocal cord polyp surgery, regular outpatient follow-up visits are necessary, and under certain conditions, further medication treatment may be required.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous a second time?

Secondary surgery for vocal cord polyps is associated with the possibility of malignant changes. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper long-term vocal usage, fatigue from overuse, shouting loudly, smoking, drinking, and irritation from acid reflux, leading to vocal cord lesions. It causes the patient to have persistent hoarseness of voice, which progressively worsens. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope may reveal a pale white or pale red abnormal neoplasm at the anterior middle third of the unilateral vocal cord. This can lead to incomplete closure of the glottis, resulting in hoarseness of voice. In terms of treatment, medicating vocal cord polyps is ineffective, and the patient must undergo a polypectomy under suspension laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, and the patient can usually recover and be discharged within about a week. After discharge, the patient needs to speak softly and infrequently, follow a bland diet, and abstain from smoking and drinking to prevent recurrence. If recurrences occur, the vocal cord polyps may have the potential to turn cancerous.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps are proliferative protrusions located on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. The main causes of this condition are consuming spicy and irritating foods and harmful habits such as smoking and drinking, excessive use of the voice, and occupational factors. Vocal cord polyps are usually characterized by squamous proliferation on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, and cancerous changes are rare. If the surface of the vocal cords is uneven and the voice is notably hoarse, a biopsy treatment should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is vocal cord polyp surgery under general anesthesia painful?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions located on the vocal cords, generally occurring unilaterally. Currently, treatment involves surgical removal under general anesthesia, utilizing a microscope and a supportive laryngoscope, or it can be performed using an endoscope; all these procedures require general anesthesia. After the general anesthesia, patients generally do not respond to pain, so the surgery is essentially painless, thus there is no need for excessive worry. After surgery, the vast majority of patients experience no pain. A minority of patients may have mild pain due to mucosal abrasions in the pharyngeal area, but most patients do not suffer pain.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to conservatively treat vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disorder. In terms of treatment, there are generally two types: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If the vocal cord polyps are small and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, conservative treatment is considered first. Common treatments include oral medication, which can be complemented with nebulization therapy. Most patients can gradually alleviate symptoms with medication. Additionally, voice training can be conducted to learn the correct and reasonable use of the voice. In daily life, it is necessary to avoid overuse of the voice as much as possible and to regularly re-examine the laryngoscopic observations to monitor any changes in the vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.