Can vocal cord polyps be treated conservatively?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 27, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disorder. For treatment, conservative treatment can be considered for some patients. If the vocal cord polyps are small and the symptoms of hoarseness are not particularly noticeable, conservative treatment with medication can be initially considered. Common treatments include oral traditional Chinese medicine, combined with nebulization therapy. It's also suggested to undergo voice training concurrently. Generally, with formal treatment lasting about two weeks, symptoms of hoarseness can gradually improve, and polyps may recede in some patients.

However, if the vocal cord polyps are particularly large and the symptoms of hoarseness are very noticeable, and conservative treatment proves ineffective, then surgical treatment should be considered.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to care for vocal cord polyps symptoms

The more common symptoms of vocal cord polyps include hoarseness and a recurring sensation of a foreign body in the throat, which is generally a common condition. In daily life, it is necessary to speak as little as possible and avoid overusing the voice, as symptoms such as hoarseness from excessive voice use can significantly worsen and potentially promote further growth of the polyps. It is also recommended to follow a bland diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods, as frequent consumption of spicy foods can exacerbate throat inflammation. Regular follow-up examinations, such as laryngoscopic inspections to observe changes in the polyps, are necessary. If the polyps are large, surgical removal may need to be considered. If they are small, medication and nebulizer treatments can be considered initially to observe the effects.

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will vocal cord polyps recur after they are removed?

Vocal cord polyps are polyp-like benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Vocal cord polyps generally require surgical treatment, as medication typically cannot eliminate the polyps. Post-surgery, there is a certain recurrence rate for vocal cord polyps. The recurrence of vocal cord polyps is often related to factors such as excessive voice use, gastroesophageal reflux, or frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, it is important to avoid these factors to prevent recurrence of the polyps.

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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.