Vocal cord polyps inflammation symptoms

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. If vocal cord polyps are accompanied by infection and inflammation, clinical symptoms can be quite extensive, commonly including sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, burning, and itching, and there may also be a noticeable hoarseness. Generally, if the symptoms of vocal cord polyps are obvious and the inflammatory response is high, this situation can more significantly impact daily life and communication. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a laryngoscopy to assess the extent of the condition. In terms of treatment, oral medication and nebulization therapy are generally the main approaches, with a small number of patients requiring surgical treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps be examined by B-ultrasound?

Vocal cord polyps are benign space-occupying lesions of the vocal cords, mainly appearing as polypoid protrusions on the surface of the free edge of the vocal cords, sometimes with a thin stalk, and sometimes with a broad base. In clinical practice, vocal cord polyps are primarily examined using a laryngoscope, and can also be assessed via CT and MRI. However, ultrasound is not used to examine vocal cord polyps, as ultrasound produces many artifacts and the neck’s muscles and soft tissues are very rich, preventing ultrasound from correctly or fully displaying the condition of the vocal cord polyps. In summary, ultrasound is not used clinically to examine vocal cord polyps.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
46sec home-news-image

Can you smoke with vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. It is advised not to smoke in daily life, as cigarettes contain many chemical substances that have direct irritative effects on the mucous membranes and vocal cords, potentially worsening the condition of vocal cord polyps and possibly leading to further hoarseness. Moreover, long-term smoking may also lead to cancerous changes in the vocal cords and cause laryngeal cancer. Therefore, for such patients, it is recommended to abstain from smoking and drinking, and to regularly visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopic examination to check the status of the vocal cord polyps. Some patients may also require surgical removal of the polyps.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

Do vocal cord polyps definitely require surgery?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Do vocal cord polyps recur?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the vocal cords. Often, they are treated through surgical removal. After the removal of vocal cord polyps, there is a certain rate of recurrence. This is because the inflammation in the vocal cord area has not been fully controlled after the surgery. Recurrent and frequent upper respiratory infections stimulate the vocal cords. Also, inappropriate use of the voice, such as frequent vocalization and loud screaming, can damage the vocal cords and lead to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Other factors, such as diet, spicy and irritating foods, alcohol, and chili stimulation, can cause congestion and edema of the vocal cords to persist, leading to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of these aspects after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 20sec home-news-image

Do vocal cord polyps have to be surgically removed?

Vocal cord polyps must be treated surgically. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper vocal use for an extended period, overexertion, and yelling, leading to vocal cord lesions. Typically, the disease affects only one vocal cord, causing the patient's voice to be hoarse, with symptoms worsening continuously. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a pale white or pale red smooth granule can be observed on the anterior middle third of the unilateral vocal cord, resulting in incomplete closure of the glottis and consequently a hoarse voice. In terms of treatment, conservative management for vocal cord polyps is ineffective. Patients must undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under suspension laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, followed by the use of antibiotics postoperatively to avoid local infection. Recovery usually allows discharge from the hospital after about a week. However, after recovery, patients still need to speak softly and sparingly, avoid catching colds, and prevent recurrence. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)