What are the symptoms of vocal cord polyps?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 09, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disorder. Small vocal cord polyps may not show obvious clinical symptoms and are often discovered only during a physical examination or laryngoscopy. However, larger vocal cord polyps can cause noticeable clinical symptoms, most commonly hoarseness. The hoarseness can be recurrent or persistent and may worsen with excessive use of the voice. Some patients may also experience a foreign body sensation in the throat or throat pain, which is primarily considered to be caused by vocal cord polyps accompanied by chronic pharyngitis. A laryngoscopy can provide a definitive diagnosis.

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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.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are benign tumors located on the vocal cords, primarily caused by improper use of the voice or by inflammatory infections. When vocal cord polyps are suspected, it is essential to visit a hospital for an examination, primarily using a laryngoscope to assess the size of the polyps and check for any other vocal cord lesions. Once diagnosed, surgical intervention is often evaluated. Suitable cases are admitted to the hospital for surgery under a surgical microscope to remove the polyps. Generally, patients can be discharged three to five days after the surgery. The surgery involves microscopic techniques, so the trauma is minimal.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign proliferative lesions that occur on the surface mucous membrane of both vocal cords, and are also a type of chronic laryngitis. The main clinical manifestation is a hoarse voice, and it is very rare for it to become malignant. Factors such as improper vocal use due to professional reasons, respiratory infections, and other irritative factors can lead to vocal cord polyps. At this point, vocal cord polyps require surgical treatment; by surgically removing the proliferative polypoid tissue, the patient's voice can be restored and persistent hoarseness can be avoided. Additionally, after surgery, voice rest is necessary to help the healing of the vocal cord mucosal epithelium.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps generally do not require surgery. If the polyps are relatively small or if the symptoms of hoarseness are not obvious, surgery is usually not necessary, and medication can be considered. The treatment is primarily through oral medications, combined with nebulization therapy. If possible, professional voice training can also be considered. Most patients can gradually recover through conservative treatment. However, if the polyps are large and cause noticeable hoarseness, surgery might be needed. Post-surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary, but such surgeries are usually minimally invasive, performed under a laryngoscope, and do not involve significant external injuries.