Causes of vocal cord polyps

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 22, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are a common condition in otolaryngology, with the main causes as follows: First, talking a lot. Here, talking a lot refers to normal speaking due to work or lifestyle reasons. Being in a work environment that requires extended periods of talking can lead to the development of vocal cord polyps over time. Second, improper voicing. Some people speak very hurriedly and tend to shout loudly; such habits over a prolonged period can lead to swelling of the vocal cord mucosa, which further develops into vocal cord polyps. Third, smoking. Patients who smoke heavily and for long periods can also develop vocal cord polyps, often compounded by speaking a lot while smoking, making it one of the most common causes of vocal cord polyps. Fourth, working or living in environments with significant pollution, drinking less water, and exposure to lots of dust are also common reasons.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps have to be surgically removed?

Vocal cord polyps must be treated surgically. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper vocal use for an extended period, overexertion, and yelling, leading to vocal cord lesions. Typically, the disease affects only one vocal cord, causing the patient's voice to be hoarse, with symptoms worsening continuously. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a pale white or pale red smooth granule can be observed on the anterior middle third of the unilateral vocal cord, resulting in incomplete closure of the glottis and consequently a hoarse voice. In terms of treatment, conservative management for vocal cord polyps is ineffective. Patients must undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under suspension laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, followed by the use of antibiotics postoperatively to avoid local infection. Recovery usually allows discharge from the hospital after about a week. However, after recovery, patients still need to speak softly and sparingly, avoid catching colds, and prevent recurrence. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 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 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 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.