Do vocal cord polyps absolutely require surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 05, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps do not necessarily require surgery as there are various treatment options available. Clinically common treatments include medication, voice training, and surgical removal. If the polyp is small and the symptoms are mild, conservative treatment is generally recommended. This mainly involves voice training, oral medications, and nebulized drug therapy, along with regular check-ups using a laryngoscope to monitor changes. Most patients can effectively alleviate and recover through conservative treatment. However, if the polyp is large and causes significant hoarseness, surgical removal under a laryngoscope might be considered, followed by regular check-ups to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are benign tumors located on the vocal cords, primarily caused by improper use of the voice or by inflammatory infections. When vocal cord polyps are suspected, it is essential to visit a hospital for an examination, primarily using a laryngoscope to assess the size of the polyps and check for any other vocal cord lesions. Once diagnosed, surgical intervention is often evaluated. Suitable cases are admitted to the hospital for surgery under a surgical microscope to remove the polyps. Generally, patients can be discharged three to five days after the surgery. The surgery involves microscopic techniques, so the trauma is minimal.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disorder. Small vocal cord polyps may not show obvious clinical symptoms and are often discovered only during a physical examination or laryngoscopy. However, larger vocal cord polyps can cause noticeable clinical symptoms, most commonly hoarseness. The hoarseness can be recurrent or persistent and may worsen with excessive use of the voice. Some patients may also experience a foreign body sensation in the throat or throat pain, which is primarily considered to be caused by vocal cord polyps accompanied by chronic pharyngitis. A laryngoscopy can provide a definitive diagnosis.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to detect vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring diseases in otolaryngology. How to examine vocal cord polyps primarily involves assessing the patient's symptoms. For instance, if a patient develops vocal cord polyps, they will first exhibit symptoms of hoarseness. If the hoarseness persists and cannot be alleviated, an electronic laryngoscopy should be conducted initially. By using an electronic laryngoscope, the movement of the vocal cords and the condition of the vocal cord mucosa can be observed on a display screen, thereby identifying the presence of vocal cord polyps. For patients with vocal cord polyps, it is important in daily life to reduce voice use, avoid excessive vocalization, and lessen harmful habits such as smoking and drinking to prevent the occurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take for vocal cord polyps to go away with medication?

Vocal cord polyps do not respond to medical treatment. The majority of vocal cord polyps are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice, such as prolonged speaking, overexertion, and shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. The disease typically affects one vocal cord, causing the patient to have persistent and progressively worsening hoarseness. During an examination with a laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm with a thin stalk can be seen at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The vocal cord moves well but does not close completely. In terms of treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord nodules and polyps. The patient needs to undergo a vocal cord polypectomy under a support laryngoscopy. This surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent local infection. Recovery and discharge can typically occur about a week post-operation. After recovery, patients are advised to speak softly and minimally, and avoid exhaustion to prevent recurrence. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)