Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking medicine?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 18, 2025
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Voice polyps are ineffective treated with medication; patients require local surgical excision for a cure. Common causes of vocal cord polyps include prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue, leading to pathological changes in the vocal cord mucosa. This condition causes persistent hoarseness in the patient, progressively worsening over time. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm can be observed on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The area is soft, painless, and may cause incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Regarding treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord polyps, and patients need to undergo polyp removal surgery under a supporting laryngoscope. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and patients typically recover and are discharged about one week post-operation. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking medicine?

Voice polyps are ineffective treated with medication; patients require local surgical excision for a cure. Common causes of vocal cord polyps include prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue, leading to pathological changes in the vocal cord mucosa. This condition causes persistent hoarseness in the patient, progressively worsening over time. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm can be observed on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The area is soft, painless, and may cause incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Regarding treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord polyps, and patients need to undergo polyp removal surgery under a supporting laryngoscope. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and patients typically recover and are discharged about one week post-operation. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to effectively treat vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps are neoplasms that occur in the anterior middle third of the vocal cords due to excessive voice use. The mucous membrane of the polyp is relatively smooth, and the base may be broad or pedunculated. During phonation, the shape of the glottis changes, thus patients with vocal cord polyps experience a hoarse voice and find speaking strenuous. If treatment with medications aimed at clearing blockages and dispersing accumulations is ineffective, surgery is generally considered. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with direct vision through a supported laryngoscope. Postoperatively, patients should avoid speaking and overusing their voice to reduce the risk of recurrence, and consume more foods that are cooling and reduce heat. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long do vocal cord polyps need voice rest?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness. If the vocal cord polyps are significant, it is necessary to rest the voice, typically recommended for about one to two weeks. However, it is still essential to speak as little as possible in daily life because excessive use of the voice can potentially worsen the condition of the vocal cord polyps. If the polyps are large, and resting the voice alone does not yield good results, additional treatments such as oral medications and nebulizer therapy may be needed. Some patients may not respond well to conservative treatment and might require surgical removal. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the outcomes.

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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 Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is it normal for vocal cord polyps to hurt?

Vocal cord polyps themselves do not cause significant pain. If pain occurs, it is necessary to consider the presence of pharyngitis or other issues causing throat pain. The main symptom of vocal cord polyps is hoarseness, which may be accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the throat, especially after excessive voice use or consuming spicy and irritating foods. These symptoms of hoarseness and throat foreign body sensation may further intensify. However, polyps alone do not cause pain. Therefore, if there is pain, it is necessary to investigate whether there are other pathological conditions. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy for a more accurate diagnosis. If the polyps are relatively large, surgery may be considered for removal.