The difference between vocal cord nodules and polyps

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Vocal cord nodules are often bilateral symmetrical tiny nodules, while vocal cord polyps can be unilateral or bilateral. Vocal cord nodules commonly affect teachers, singers, orators, and other professions that involve excessive use of the voice. Vocal cord polyps, however, can be seen in all kinds of people. For vocal cord nodules, treatment usually begins with medication. If medication is ineffective, surgical treatment may be considered. For patients with vocal cord polyps, the most common treatment method is surgical removal of the polyps. Post-surgery, it is crucial to protect the voice and maintain silence to aid recovery. Generally, both vocal cord nodules and polyps can be cured.

Other Voices

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to care for vocal cord polyps symptoms

The more common symptoms of vocal cord polyps include hoarseness and a recurring sensation of a foreign body in the throat, which is generally a common condition. In daily life, it is necessary to speak as little as possible and avoid overusing the voice, as symptoms such as hoarseness from excessive voice use can significantly worsen and potentially promote further growth of the polyps. It is also recommended to follow a bland diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods, as frequent consumption of spicy foods can exacerbate throat inflammation. Regular follow-up examinations, such as laryngoscopic inspections to observe changes in the polyps, are necessary. If the polyps are large, surgical removal may need to be considered. If they are small, medication and nebulizer treatments can be considered initially to observe the effects.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What does it feel like to have vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps generally do not cause any special sensations by themselves, but some patients may experience pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The main symptom is a hoarse voice, meaning the voice becomes raspier than before, making it difficult to articulate, especially when trying to sing or speak in high tones. In addition to hoarseness, other symptoms can include a feeling of vocal fatigue, throat pain, and an irritating cough. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person, with hoarseness being the primary manifestation.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted after vocal cord polyp surgery?

The most important thing to pay attention to after vocal cord polyp surgery is to speak as little as possible, which means vocal rest. Typically, vocal rest should last between two to four weeks. The better you adhere to vocal rest, the better your voice will recover after the surgery. Once recovered, continue to minimize speaking and ensure correct pronunciation to prevent recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Another important consideration is avoiding environments with tobacco smoke; do not smoke and try to stay away from places where others are smoking. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, manage your emotions in daily life; do not rush or shout, as this can affect your recovery. Even if you do not yell when anxious, it can still lead to a less than optimal post-operative recovery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.