The causes of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

Updated on March 02, 2025

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The recurrence of vocal cord polyps is primarily due to patients not taking care to protect their voice usage, improper voice use, and failing to quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking. The main cause of vocal cord polyps is edema in the Reinke's layer of the vocal cord mucosa, which leads to the proliferation of the surface mucosa. The main symptom in patients is a hoarse voice. After undergoing support laryngoscopy and surgical removal of the vocal cord polyps, patients are required to refrain from speaking for three to four weeks to allow the vocal cord mucosa to recover and heal. If patients do not take care of their voice during this period, there is a possibility of recurrence of the vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

58sec

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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

53sec

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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 Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

34sec

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What does it feel like to have vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps generally do not cause any special sensations by themselves, but some patients may experience pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The main symptom is a hoarse voice, meaning the voice becomes raspier than before, making it difficult to articulate, especially when trying to sing or speak in high tones. In addition to hoarseness, other symptoms can include a feeling of vocal fatigue, throat pain, and an irritating cough. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person, with hoarseness being the primary manifestation.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

59sec

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Do vocal cord polyps cause a sore throat?

Patients with vocal cord polyps usually do not experience throat pain. The pathological basis for the occurrence of vocal cord polyps is edema and hyperplasia in the mucosal layer and Reinke's layer of the vocal cords, with hoarseness being the main symptom. The causes generally involve improper or excessive use of the voice, as well as harmful stimuli such as smoking and drinking, which lead to the proliferation of vocal cord polyps. The main treatments for vocal cord polyps currently include oral medications to clear the throat and benefit the voice, and surgical treatment. Surgical treatment primarily involves the endoscopic removal of the vocal cord polyps with support, and the patient must remain silent for three to four weeks post-surgery to allow the mucosal epithelium to recover, thereby improving the symptoms of hoarseness. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

50sec

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Foods to avoid with vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms of the vocal cords, clinically primarily polyps at the anterior end of the vocal cords, mainly manifesting as hoarseness. The treatment mainly involves the removal of the vocal cord polyps under a microscope or endoscope. After surgery, we need to pay attention to certain dietary aspects. First, some spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers and alcohol, should be avoided. Second, it is important to regulate the temperature of foods; overly cold items, such as popsicles, or overly hot items, such as hot pot, should be consumed with caution. The third point is to avoid certain foods that can cause allergies, such as mangoes, especially if the patient has an allergic constitution; these should be avoided or minimized in the diet.