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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take to recover normally after vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyp surgery usually involves the use of general anesthesia and a supported laryngoscope for the removal of the polyps. This type of surgery is relatively minimally invasive, so the general recovery time for vocal cord polyp surgery is about two to four weeks. During this two to four week period, it is crucial to rest, which means vocal rest and speaking as little as possible to aid the healing of the mucous membrane after the polyp removal and to prevent mucosal edema due to excessive phonation, which is detrimental to recovery. Post-surgery phonation is a very important factor in determining the pace of recovery. If phonation is inaccurate post-surgery, or if there is excessive talking, the recovery time may be extended. If proper vocal rest is maintained and phonation is correct and careful, recovery can be quicker. Therefore, some people may recover in two weeks, while others may take more than four weeks or even longer. In addition to vocal rest post-surgery, it is essential to ensure accurate phonation. It is crucial not to speak in a subdued voice; speak normally when necessary, or do not speak at all.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps should be seen by the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department.

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Therefore, they are primarily treated in the otolaryngology departments of clinics. In larger comprehensive hospitals, where specialties are more detailed, one might see an expert in the pharyngology or laryngology departments. In traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, patients might visit the department of otorhinolaryngology, which is included within the broader five senses (otorhinolaryngology) department. In general, the treatment of vocal cord polyps is predominantly managed by otolaryngologists, with the main treatment method being surgical removal of the polyps. After surgery, it is recommended to speak less to avoid the recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps are proliferative protrusions located on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. The main causes of this condition are consuming spicy and irritating foods and harmful habits such as smoking and drinking, excessive use of the voice, and occupational factors. Vocal cord polyps are usually characterized by squamous proliferation on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, and cancerous changes are rare. If the surface of the vocal cords is uneven and the voice is notably hoarse, a biopsy treatment should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord polyps and pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is primarily a nonspecific inflammation of the throat, which can be divided into acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis. Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by bacterial infections affecting the mucous membrane and submucosal tissues of the throat, leading to symptoms such as dry throat, burning sensation, sore throat, and pain when swallowing. The main pathogens involved are often streptococcus and staphylococcus, among others. Patients with chronic pharyngitis mainly experience a foreign body sensation in the throat, along with dryness and itchiness. In contrast, patients with vocal cord polyps, which mainly differ from pharyngitis, exhibit hoarseness. Typically, pharyngitis patients do not exhibit obvious hoarseness. Differentiation between the two can be achieved through an examination with a laryngoscope, which can determine the presence of obvious polyp growth on the vocal cords, thereby distinguishing between vocal cord polyps and pharyngitis.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps must be surgically treated; otherwise, they will further aggravate. The cause of vocal cord polyps is often due to improper long-term vocal use, shouting loudly, or excessive fatigue. Alternatively, it can be caused by a digestive system disorder, where acid reflux stimulates and leads to vocal cord lesions. Patients will experience persistent hoarseness, and it tends to progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally affect one side. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, light red or light white abnormal growth can be observed at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The growth is soft and painless, with good vocal cord mobility, but incomplete glottic closure. In terms of treatment, conservative management is ineffective, and the patient requires direct laryngoscopy for polyp removal. The surgery requires hospitalization, and the patient can typically recover and be discharged within about a week.