Do vocal cord polyps require a biopsy?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 08, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically protruding from the surface or the free edge of the vocal cords. Therefore, the removal surgery for vocal cord polyps is generally performed under laryngoscopic and microscopic visualization. The procedure usually involves direct excision followed by pathological examination, and a biopsy is generally not conducted before the surgery. Thus, vocal cord polyps are typically treated through direct surgical removal without a pre-surgery biopsy. It is also important to avoid excessive misuse of the voice after the surgery to prevent recurrence of the vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative care for vocal cord polyps surgery

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment is considered if the polyp is small. However, if the polyp is large and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment may be necessary. Currently, the main procedure is microlaryngoscopic vocal cord polyp removal surgery, which is a common minimally invasive surgical method. Post-surgery, it is generally recommended to have regular follow-ups, ideally weekly, to monitor recovery. Additionally, nebulizer treatment is advised as an auxiliary therapy to aid post-surgical recovery. After surgery, it is also important to minimize speaking and avoid overusing the voice.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequently occurring illness, primarily characterized by symptoms such as hoarseness and throat discomfort. After surgical removal of vocal cord polyps through suspension laryngoscopy, the patient's voice may still be hoarse in the short term. This hoarseness is mainly due to postoperative mucosal edema, and the general recovery period requires three to four weeks. Patients need to rest their voice and reduce vocal usage. Dietary precautions include avoiding spicy and irritating foods and reducing the incidence of colds and coughs. If a patient experiences a recurrence of vocal cord polyps, the main symptom is hoarseness. This can be confirmed through an examination with an electronic laryngoscope to determine whether the vocal cord polyps have recurred. There is still a certain probability of recurrence, which mainly depends on how the patient protects their voice in daily life.

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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.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long is the hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign occupying lesions on our vocal cords. Generally, the removal of vocal cord polyps is performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. The hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery is usually short, and the surgery can even be performed in a day clinic. Typically, the stay lasts about 1-3 days, although in different medical units, it can be extended to 3-5 days or even 5-7 days. In any case, it's typically within a week. Moreover, as the procedure for vocal cord polyps is relatively less harmful, the hospital stay is generally short. Post-surgery, it is important to speak less and avoid straining the vocal cords to prevent the recurrence of the polyps.