Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 26, 2024
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Early symptoms of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. If vocal cord polyps recur, they can cause related clinical symptoms, the most common being a hoarse voice. Some patients experience persistent hoarseness, while others have sporadic hoarseness. Moreover, the hoarseness generally becomes more pronounced after excessive use of the voice. In terms of treatment, the first step is to visit an otolaryngologist. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to examine the size of the polyp in detail. If the polyp is relatively small, conservative treatment may be considered, commonly involving oral medication combined with nebulization therapy. However, if the polyp is particularly large, surgery might be necessary.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps recur?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the vocal cords. Often, they are treated through surgical removal. After the removal of vocal cord polyps, there is a certain rate of recurrence. This is because the inflammation in the vocal cord area has not been fully controlled after the surgery. Recurrent and frequent upper respiratory infections stimulate the vocal cords. Also, inappropriate use of the voice, such as frequent vocalization and loud screaming, can damage the vocal cords and lead to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Other factors, such as diet, spicy and irritating foods, alcohol, and chili stimulation, can cause congestion and edema of the vocal cords to persist, leading to the recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of these aspects after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps have to be surgically removed?

Vocal cord polyps must be treated surgically. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper vocal use for an extended period, overexertion, and yelling, leading to vocal cord lesions. Typically, the disease affects only one vocal cord, causing the patient's voice to be hoarse, with symptoms worsening continuously. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a pale white or pale red smooth granule can be observed on the anterior middle third of the unilateral vocal cord, resulting in incomplete closure of the glottis and consequently a hoarse voice. In terms of treatment, conservative management for vocal cord polyps is ineffective. Patients must undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under suspension laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, followed by the use of antibiotics postoperatively to avoid local infection. Recovery usually allows discharge from the hospital after about a week. However, after recovery, patients still need to speak softly and sparingly, avoid catching colds, and prevent recurrence. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long is the hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign occupying lesions on our vocal cords. Generally, the removal of vocal cord polyps is performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. The hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery is usually short, and the surgery can even be performed in a day clinic. Typically, the stay lasts about 1-3 days, although in different medical units, it can be extended to 3-5 days or even 5-7 days. In any case, it's typically within a week. Moreover, as the procedure for vocal cord polyps is relatively less harmful, the hospital stay is generally short. Post-surgery, it is important to speak less and avoid straining the vocal cords to prevent the recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps turn cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps themselves are a type of benign lesion, with a very, very small chance of becoming malignant. However, if vocal cord polyps recur frequently, especially in conjunction with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as long-term smoking and drinking, there indeed exists a possibility of malignant transformation. Overall, though, this probability is relatively low, and the vast majority of cases are benign. However, in cases of frequent recurrence, it is important to watch for moderate or severe atypical hyperplasia, as this condition could potentially progress to cancer. Regular laryngoscopic examinations are needed in such cases, typically every three to six months. Additionally, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking, and to avoid excessive use of the voice.