Can vocal cord polyps cause loss of voice?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 28, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the vocal cords. They protrude from the surface of the vocal cords. Generally, after the occurrence of vocal cord polyps, surgical treatment is performed to remove them, as vocal cord polyps can cause hoarseness, affecting our work, and impacting our career and life. Severe vocal cord polyps, if not treated, can lead to repeated friction between the vocal cords, which may even result in the potential malignancy. Of course, vocal cord polyps severely affect our voice quality, causing hoarseness and in severe cases lead to voice loss, causing a sensation of air leakage when we speak. In summary, vocal cord polyps can lead to loss of voice.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How many days before you can speak with vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, primarily presenting clinically as hoarseness. The formation of vocal cord polyps involves various factors, among which the most significant is the misuse of the voice. Clinically, the main treatment for vocal cord polyps is surgical removal. After the surgery for vocal cord polyps, it is important to speak less and speak normally. In fact, after the surgery for vocal cord polyps, one can speak upon waking up, but should not misuse the voice. It is crucial to speak less and avoid using a falsetto voice, as speaking in falsetto can further damage the vocal cords. Therefore, the rule to follow is to speak normally and speak less.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Some patients with vocal cord polyps may not require surgery, as the treatment of vocal cord polyps is mainly divided into two categories. The first category is conservative treatment, and the second category is surgical treatment. Surgical intervention might be considered if the polyp is particularly large and symptoms are prominent, such as hoarseness or breathing difficulties. However, if the hoarseness is not very pronounced and the polyp is relatively small or the clinical symptoms are not very typical, it is possible that the condition could be alleviated through medication. Common treatments include oral medication and nebulization, accompanied by voice training. With conservative treatment, many patients can achieve effective control, and some may even experience a gradual reduction in the polyp size. Regular follow-up examinations are advised to avoid excessive use of the voice.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps minimally invasive surgery, how long until discharge?

Vocal cord polyps are benign tumor-like lesions that occur on the vocal cords. Clinically, they are primarily treated through surgery, which involves the removal of the polyps. Currently, minimally invasive surgery for vocal cord polyps is mainly performed under a surgical microscope with the support of a laryngoscope. Typically, hospitalization for this surgery lasts about three to five days, although a stay of around three days may also be sufficient, and it is treated as an emergency procedure. There is a growing trend for treating vocal cord polyps as day surgery in outpatient clinics, with approximately one day of hospitalization. This means that the surgery can be performed and the patient can be discharged on the same day. Day surgery requires a certain level of medical expertise and is possible in some high-level hospitals that can support this type of outpatient procedure.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Is the recurrence rate of vocal cord polyps high?

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology. Usually, if patients strictly protect their voice after undergoing vocal cord polyp surgery, the recurrence rate is generally low. However, patients in professions such as teaching, sales, and singing, who often strain their voices, may experience recurrence of vocal cord polyps. The formation of vocal cord polyps is due to the rupture of capillaries and edema in the vocal cord mucosa, leading to neoplasm proliferation. An electronic laryngoscopy can be used to clearly diagnose the disease. Patients with vocal cord polyps should be advised to strictly rest their voice and avoid excessive vocal strain. Surgical removal of the vocal cord polyps is necessary to cure the condition.