Can vocal cord polyps disappear on their own?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 15, 2025
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Which is more serious, vocal cord nodules or vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord nodules and vocal cord polyps are both benign occupies of the vocal cord area. Vocal cord nodules appear as point-like and nodular protrusions, while vocal cord polyps appear as polyp-like protrusions, and thus, the volume of vocal cord polyps is relatively larger. Generally speaking, the hoarseness associated with vocal cord nodules is milder, while the hoarseness from vocal cord polyps is more severe. In terms of treatment, vocal cord nodules generally do not require surgical intervention and are mainly managed with voice rest and symptomatic treatment. On the other hand, vocal cord polyps almost always require surgical treatment for resolution. Therefore, overall, vocal cord polyps are more severe, while vocal cord nodules are relatively milder.

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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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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms in the throat, primarily presenting clinically as hoarseness. Typically, vocal cord polyps are relatively large when detected, and various treatment methods often do not result in complete disappearance. Therefore, clinical treatment of vocal cord polyps mainly involves surgical removal. Sometimes, if patients are reluctant to undergo surgery, medication can be attempted. However, the likelihood of completely eliminating vocal cord polyps with medication alone is relatively low. If the condition does not improve or the polyps do not shrink or disappear after medicinal treatment, surgery is often necessary.

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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps definitely require surgery?

The treatment of vocal cord polyps is primarily surgical since this condition is mainly caused by excessive talking, improper voice use, or overuse of the voice at one time. Such actions can lead to pathological changes in the vocal cord mucosa, resulting in edema and vascular dilation in the Reinke's space, and even hemorrhagic polyps. In these cases, simple voice rest or medical treatment is often ineffective. The best approach is to surgically remove the polyps completely, and then combine this with voice rehabilitation and correct pronunciation to achieve the best possible healing of the surgical site. Therefore, the most appropriate treatment plan for vocal cord polyps is to undergo surgery promptly. The specific surgical method depends on the size and location of the polyp, and whether it can be well exposed during surgery.