Do vocal cord polyps definitely require surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps do not necessarily require surgery. This decision mainly depends on the size of the polyp and the symptoms presented. If the polyp is small and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, it may be considered to observe and manage with oral medications and nebulized treatments. It is also important to minimize speaking and avoid overusing the voice. If the polyp is larger, and there are noticeable symptoms such as a hoarse voice, or if it affects normal breathing and swallowing, surgery is generally considered. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor recovery. It is crucial to avoid overusing the voice and to regularly have laryngoscopic exams to check for any recurrence.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Which is more serious, vocal cord nodules or vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord nodules and vocal cord polyps are both benign occupies of the vocal cord area. Vocal cord nodules appear as point-like and nodular protrusions, while vocal cord polyps appear as polyp-like protrusions, and thus, the volume of vocal cord polyps is relatively larger. Generally speaking, the hoarseness associated with vocal cord nodules is milder, while the hoarseness from vocal cord polyps is more severe. In terms of treatment, vocal cord nodules generally do not require surgical intervention and are mainly managed with voice rest and symptomatic treatment. On the other hand, vocal cord polyps almost always require surgical treatment for resolution. Therefore, overall, vocal cord polyps are more severe, while vocal cord nodules are relatively milder.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps cause a sore throat?

Patients with vocal cord polyps usually do not experience throat pain. The pathological basis for the occurrence of vocal cord polyps is edema and hyperplasia in the mucosal layer and Reinke's layer of the vocal cords, with hoarseness being the main symptom. The causes generally involve improper or excessive use of the voice, as well as harmful stimuli such as smoking and drinking, which lead to the proliferation of vocal cord polyps. The main treatments for vocal cord polyps currently include oral medications to clear the throat and benefit the voice, and surgical treatment. Surgical treatment primarily involves the endoscopic removal of the vocal cord polyps with support, and the patient must remain silent for three to four weeks post-surgery to allow the mucosal epithelium to recover, thereby improving the symptoms of hoarseness. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps eat bayberry?

People with vocal cord polyps should avoid eating bayberries, as bayberries are acidic and can aggravate acid reflux after consumption. The acid fluid and vapors can also irritate the throat, leading to the enlargement or recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Vocal cord polyps are generally caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, such as yelling loudly, excessive fatigue, and irritation from acid reflux. These polyps can cause the voice to become hoarse and progressively worsen. During examination, a pale, lychee-like mass can be found on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Regarding treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord polyps. Patients need to undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics are used to prevent local infection. Recovery is usually complete within about a week, allowing for discharge from the hospital.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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What are the symptoms of vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps refer to inflammatory neoplasms located at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the vocal cords, caused by excessive or improper voice use. They may be pink, smooth, or grayish-white. Their bases are relatively wide, and some even have a pedicle because a neoplasm arises in the front middle third of the vocal cords. Therefore, patients with this condition often have difficulty closing the glottis while speaking, and hoarseness is a main symptom of vocal cord polyps. As the condition worsens, the glottis closes poorly. Speaking requires a great deal of effort to produce sound, thus making speaking laborious is another primary symptom of vocal cord polyps.