Can people with vocal cord polyps eat fish?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 04, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps can be consumed without any issues. Vocal cord polyps are abnormalities on the vocal cords that are usually caused by improper voice use, shouting loudly, or excessive fatigue over a long period. Typically, the condition affects one side of the vocal cords and leads to persistent hoarseness in the patient. If a patient experiences continuous hoarseness without signs of improvement, an electronic laryngoscopy is first required. Generally, a smooth, pale white abnormal growth can be found on the anterior middle third of one vocal cord, leading to incomplete closure of the glottis and resulting in hoarseness. In terms of treatment, the removal of vocal cord polyps requires a type of supporting laryngoscopy surgery, which necessitates hospitalization and general anesthesia. Post-surgery, antibiotics are used to prevent local infection. Furthermore, complete vocal rest is necessary for one week post-surgery before gradual recovery can occur. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician when using medication and do not self-medicate.)

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to take care of vocal cord polyps in daily life?

Vocal cord polyps are primarily caused by improper voice use, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue, leading to vocal cord lesions. They cause persistent hoarseness in patients and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. If a patient experiences persistent hoarseness, they should first visit a hospital for an examination using a laryngoscope. In the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, a pale white or pale red, smooth-surfaced abnormal neoplasm will be found. This causes incomplete closure of the vocal cords and results in hoarseness. For treatment, vocal cord polyps require the removal through endoscopic support with a laryngoscope. Surgery requires hospitalization, and complete vocal rest for a week post-surgery, along with speaking softly and eating a bland diet, can gradually improve the condition and prevent recurrent episodes.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is vocal cord polyp surgery under general anesthesia painful?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions located on the vocal cords, generally occurring unilaterally. Currently, treatment involves surgical removal under general anesthesia, utilizing a microscope and a supportive laryngoscope, or it can be performed using an endoscope; all these procedures require general anesthesia. After the general anesthesia, patients generally do not respond to pain, so the surgery is essentially painless, thus there is no need for excessive worry. After surgery, the vast majority of patients experience no pain. A minority of patients may have mild pain due to mucosal abrasions in the pharyngeal area, but most patients do not suffer pain.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should not be eaten with vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological ailment. In terms of diet, it is advised not to consume spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and black pepper, as well as foods that are likely to cause allergies. These foods can directly irritate the throat and vocal cords, potentially exacerbating symptoms such as hoarseness and possibly causing throat pain and a sensation of a foreign object in the throat. Patients with vocal cord polyps should visit an otolaryngology clinic after symptoms appear. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can help determine the specific cause and extent of the condition, which then facilitates targeted treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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chance of vocal cord polyps turning cancerous

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically presenting clinically with symptoms of a hoarse voice. Examination via electronic laryngoscopy reveals protruding polyp-like neoplasms on the free edge of the vocal cords. Clinically, malignant transformation of vocal cord polyps is rare and almost unseen. This rarity is attributed to the early presentation of hoarseness prompting patients to seek medical attention promptly, leading to early and active treatment. Therefore, clinical instances of vocal cord polyps developing into cancer are virtually nonexistent, even though theoretically possible; statistically, this likelihood is difficult to measure. In summary, it is crucial to actively address and treat vocal cord polyps upon diagnosis.