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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should not be eaten with vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological ailment. In terms of diet, it is advised not to consume spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and black pepper, as well as foods that are likely to cause allergies. These foods can directly irritate the throat and vocal cords, potentially exacerbating symptoms such as hoarseness and possibly causing throat pain and a sensation of a foreign object in the throat. Patients with vocal cord polyps should visit an otolaryngology clinic after symptoms appear. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can help determine the specific cause and extent of the condition, which then facilitates targeted treatment.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Is the recurrence rate of vocal cord polyps high?

Vocal cord polyps are a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology. Usually, if patients strictly protect their voice after undergoing vocal cord polyp surgery, the recurrence rate is generally low. However, patients in professions such as teaching, sales, and singing, who often strain their voices, may experience recurrence of vocal cord polyps. The formation of vocal cord polyps is due to the rupture of capillaries and edema in the vocal cord mucosa, leading to neoplasm proliferation. An electronic laryngoscopy can be used to clearly diagnose the disease. Patients with vocal cord polyps should be advised to strictly rest their voice and avoid excessive vocal strain. Surgical removal of the vocal cord polyps is necessary to cure the condition.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 12sec home-news-image

Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous a second time?

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What medicine should I take for vocal cord polyps?

Some patients with vocal cord polyps can consider medication treatment, mainly aimed at smaller polyps with limited lesion scope and not particularly obvious clinical symptoms. In such cases, medication treatment can be considered, generally focusing on oral and nebulized medications. It is also necessary to avoid excessive voice use and to frequently revisit the laryngoscope to monitor the changes in the vocal cord polyps, typically revisiting every 1-3 months. If the polyps are larger and have caused obvious hoarseness or severely affected breathing, conservative medical treatment is likely to be ineffective, and it may be necessary to consider undergoing a microlaryngoscopic surgery to remove the vocal cord polyps. Regular follow-ups are still required after the surgery to observe the recovery. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on the specific situation.)

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

Vocal cord polyps do not necessarily require surgery as there are various treatment options available. Clinically common treatments include medication, voice training, and surgical removal. If the polyp is small and the symptoms are mild, conservative treatment is generally recommended. This mainly involves voice training, oral medications, and nebulized drug therapy, along with regular check-ups using a laryngoscope to monitor changes. Most patients can effectively alleviate and recover through conservative treatment. However, if the polyp is large and causes significant hoarseness, surgical removal under a laryngoscope might be considered, followed by regular check-ups to prevent recurrence.