Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous a second time?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 06, 2025
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Secondary surgery for vocal cord polyps is associated with the possibility of malignant changes. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper long-term vocal usage, fatigue from overuse, shouting loudly, smoking, drinking, and irritation from acid reflux, leading to vocal cord lesions. It causes the patient to have persistent hoarseness of voice, which progressively worsens. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope may reveal a pale white or pale red abnormal neoplasm at the anterior middle third of the unilateral vocal cord. This can lead to incomplete closure of the glottis, resulting in hoarseness of voice. In terms of treatment, medicating vocal cord polyps is ineffective, and the patient must undergo a polypectomy under suspension laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, and the patient can usually recover and be discharged within about a week. After discharge, the patient needs to speak softly and infrequently, follow a bland diet, and abstain from smoking and drinking to prevent recurrence. If recurrences occur, the vocal cord polyps may have the potential to turn cancerous.

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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 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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps are proliferative protrusions located on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. The main causes of this condition are consuming spicy and irritating foods and harmful habits such as smoking and drinking, excessive use of the voice, and occupational factors. Vocal cord polyps are usually characterized by squamous proliferation on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, and cancerous changes are rare. If the surface of the vocal cords is uneven and the voice is notably hoarse, a biopsy treatment should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require a biopsy?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically protruding from the surface or the free edge of the vocal cords. Therefore, the removal surgery for vocal cord polyps is generally performed under laryngoscopic and microscopic visualization. The procedure usually involves direct excision followed by pathological examination, and a biopsy is generally not conducted before the surgery. Thus, vocal cord polyps are typically treated through direct surgical removal without a pre-surgery biopsy. It is also important to avoid excessive misuse of the voice after the surgery to prevent recurrence of the vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Some patients with vocal cord polyps may not require surgery, as the treatment of vocal cord polyps is mainly divided into two categories. The first category is conservative treatment, and the second category is surgical treatment. Surgical intervention might be considered if the polyp is particularly large and symptoms are prominent, such as hoarseness or breathing difficulties. However, if the hoarseness is not very pronounced and the polyp is relatively small or the clinical symptoms are not very typical, it is possible that the condition could be alleviated through medication. Common treatments include oral medication and nebulization, accompanied by voice training. With conservative treatment, many patients can achieve effective control, and some may even experience a gradual reduction in the polyp size. Regular follow-up examinations are advised to avoid excessive use of the voice.