Can small vocal cord polyps be managed without surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 11, 2025
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Vocal cord polyps are a fairly common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, if the absorption is minimal, conservative pharmacological treatment is generally considered first rather than surgical intervention. Common treatments include oral medications, often supplemented with nebulization. Typically, with standardized pharmacological treatment, symptoms of hoarseness can gradually improve within one to two weeks. However, regular laryngoscopy follow-ups are necessary to monitor changes in the condition. Additionally, voice training can be considered to improve everyday vocal techniques, which can also help alleviate symptoms of hoarseness. Overall, most patients with minor vocal cord polyps can be successfully treated conservatively. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps disappear on their own?

Vocal cord polyps cannot disappear on their own because they are a benign tumor. Without local surgical treatment, vocal cord polyps will continue to grow, causing the patient's hoarseness to worsen further. In severe cases, it can cause the patient to have breathing difficulties, leading to choking and even death. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper use of the voice over a long period, such as yelling loudly or excessive tiredness, leading to pathological changes in the vocal cord mucosa. They can cause persistent hoarseness in patients. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, light red or pale white abnormal neoplasm can be found on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The vocal cord moves well, but does not close completely. In terms of treatment, patients need to undergo local surgical excision to heal. After surgery, it is important to protect the vocal cords by avoiding yelling loudly or speaking entirely, and complete recovery can generally be achieved within about a week.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps that have become cancerous be cured?

Nowadays, polyp malignancy transformation is relatively rare. If malignancy transformation is confirmed, timely follow-up treatment is required. The most commonly used treatment method currently is surgical treatment. Some patients can opt for radiation therapy, and if the condition is more severe, a comprehensive treatment plan that combines surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may be needed. After the treatment is finished, long-term regular check-ups are necessary, generally recommending a check-up every three months to monitor for any local recurrence or distant metastasis. Overall, the earlier the disease is treated, the better the treatment outcome. However, if the onset of the disease is later and the condition is more severe, the treatment outcome is relatively poorer.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What to eat after vocal cord polyp surgery

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically affecting one side. Clinically, the removal of vocal cord polyps is usually done under a microscope-supported laryngoscopy. Post-operative dietary guidelines include: 1. Eating can generally resume six hours after anesthesia has fully worn off, with a requirement for a bland diet. Consuming spicy and stimulating foods, such as tobacco, alcohol, and chili peppers, must be avoided. 2. Since hospital stays for vocal cord polyp surgery are relatively short, after discharge, one can use proprietary Chinese medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice, or use corticosteroid medications concurrently. These medications can help prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps and reduce post-operative congestion and swelling of the vocal cord mucosa. 3. After surgery, a normal diet can be resumed, so long as it remains bland. However, care should be taken sometimes to avoid foods like fish, shrimp, and other seafood, which can cause allergies, as well as certain fruits like mangoes. It is advisable to minimize consumption of allergy-prone foods.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take for vocal cord polyps to go away with medication?

Vocal cord polyps do not respond to medical treatment. The majority of vocal cord polyps are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice, such as prolonged speaking, overexertion, and shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. The disease typically affects one vocal cord, causing the patient to have persistent and progressively worsening hoarseness. During an examination with a laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm with a thin stalk can be seen at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The vocal cord moves well but does not close completely. In terms of treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord nodules and polyps. The patient needs to undergo a vocal cord polypectomy under a support laryngoscopy. This surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent local infection. Recovery and discharge can typically occur about a week post-operation. After recovery, patients are advised to speak softly and minimally, and avoid exhaustion to prevent recurrence. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to conservatively treat vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disorder. In terms of treatment, there are generally two types: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If the vocal cord polyps are small and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, conservative treatment is considered first. Common treatments include oral medication, which can be complemented with nebulization therapy. Most patients can gradually alleviate symptoms with medication. Additionally, voice training can be conducted to learn the correct and reasonable use of the voice. In daily life, it is necessary to avoid overuse of the voice as much as possible and to regularly re-examine the laryngoscopic observations to monitor any changes in the vocal cord polyps.