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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules are diseases caused by incorrect pronunciation or overuse of the voice, with the main clinical manifestation being hoarseness. The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules lies in their appearance under a laryngoscope: Vocal cord polyps often occur on one vocal cord, typically in the anterior one-third where a translucent, smooth swelling is found. This swelling can either have a broad stalk or a smaller stalk, and often, a hole can be observed with respiration. Vocal cord nodules are smaller and usually located symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. This implies that while polyps are commonly found on one vocal cord, nodules occur symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. From a general perspective, vocal cord polyps are wider and larger, whereas vocal cord nodules are only nodular lesions.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps minimally invasive surgery, how long until discharge?

Vocal cord polyps are benign tumor-like lesions that occur on the vocal cords. Clinically, they are primarily treated through surgery, which involves the removal of the polyps. Currently, minimally invasive surgery for vocal cord polyps is mainly performed under a surgical microscope with the support of a laryngoscope. Typically, hospitalization for this surgery lasts about three to five days, although a stay of around three days may also be sufficient, and it is treated as an emergency procedure. There is a growing trend for treating vocal cord polyps as day surgery in outpatient clinics, with approximately one day of hospitalization. This means that the surgery can be performed and the patient can be discharged on the same day. Day surgery requires a certain level of medical expertise and is possible in some high-level hospitals that can support this type of outpatient procedure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one talk?

Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions located on our vocal cords. Treatment for vocal cord polyps involves surgical removal. Surgery for vocal cord polyps does not mean that we are unable to speak or unable to speak normally. In fact, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, we can speak normally. Once the patient wakes from general anesthesia, they can speak normally. However, it is important to emphasize that we should speak less and speak normally. Do not use a falsetto voice, as this can more easily damage the vocal cords. Speak less and pay attention to using our resonance chambers and tongue, which assist the vocal organs. Avoid shouting, as this can prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer

The difference between vocal cord polyps and laryngeal cancer is firstly notable in their nature. Vocal cord polyps are benign lesions, and their removal generally does not significantly affect the patient's quality of life or lifespan. Laryngeal cancer, as the name implies, is a malignant lesion that greatly affects both the patient's quality of life and lifespan. Location-wise, vocal cord polyps are found on the vocal cords, while laryngeal cancer can be located in one of three areas: on the vocal cords, known as glottic laryngeal cancer; below the vocal cords, known as subglottic laryngeal cancer; and above the vocal cords, known as supraglottic laryngeal cancer. The prognosis for vocal cord polyps is very good; after surgery, if the patient rests well, their future quality of life is generally unaffected. Laryngeal cancer is divided into three types: glottic, supraglottic, and subglottic, with glottic being the most common, accounting for about 80%. This type of laryngeal cancer usually presents early symptoms such as hoarseness, similar to vocal cord polyps. Therefore, glottic laryngeal cancer can often be detected early. With prompt and correct treatment, the postoperative results can be good. As it typically involves highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, if it is completely excised surgically and regularly reviewed postoperatively, it doesn't greatly impact lifespan or quality of life. In contrast, subglottic and supraglottic laryngeal cancers often show symptoms later, which means they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, usually at a mid to advanced stage. Supraglottic laryngeal cancer, in particular, is prone to cervical lymph node metastasis, thus usually having a poorer prognosis compared to glottic laryngeal cancer. There's also a higher likelihood of recurrence and metastasis, and the surgery may involve greater trauma. These are the main differences.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if my vocal cord polyps are inflamed?

Patients with vocal cord polyps often experience inflammation, typically caused by the polyps which make it difficult to speak, subsequently leading to edema in the laryngeal mucosa and causing acute laryngitis. In such cases, it is essential to first rest the voice and avoid excessive vocalization. At the same time, oral administration of throat-clearing medicine and antibiotics is necessary to reduce inflammation. Patients diagnosed with vocal cord polyps should undergo support laryngoscopy surgery to remove the polyp tissue once contraindications have been ruled out, thus restoring normal vocal function. Post-surgery, it is crucial to strictly rest the voice for three to four weeks, while also avoiding spicy, irritating foods, and cold beverages to prevent exacerbating local inflammation.