Can recurrent vocal cord polyps turn into cancer?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 13, 2025
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Recurrent vocal cord polyps can potentially lead to cancerous changes. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper use of the voice over an extended period, such as yelling loudly or excessive fatigue, leading to changes in the vocal cords. Generally, it affects one vocal cord and causes the patient to experience persistent, progressive hoarseness. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a neoplasm can be observed on the anterior-middle third of the affected vocal cord. This neoplasm is smooth, pale white or pale red, and has a thin stalk, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal folds and subsequent hoarseness. In terms of treatment, conservative methods are ineffective. The patient requires a microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia to remove the vocal cord polyp. Postoperative care includes antibiotics to prevent local infections, and the patient can typically recover and be discharged about a week after the surgery.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Causes of vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are a common condition in otolaryngology, with the main causes as follows: First, talking a lot. Here, talking a lot refers to normal speaking due to work or lifestyle reasons. Being in a work environment that requires extended periods of talking can lead to the development of vocal cord polyps over time. Second, improper voicing. Some people speak very hurriedly and tend to shout loudly; such habits over a prolonged period can lead to swelling of the vocal cord mucosa, which further develops into vocal cord polyps. Third, smoking. Patients who smoke heavily and for long periods can also develop vocal cord polyps, often compounded by speaking a lot while smoking, making it one of the most common causes of vocal cord polyps. Fourth, working or living in environments with significant pollution, drinking less water, and exposure to lots of dust are also common reasons.

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

Vocal cord polyps are mucous-like formations on the vocal cords. Clinically, vocal cord polyps are primarily removed through surgery. These polyps are benign lesions located in the vocal fold area, not in the digestive tract or the pharynx, therefore, they do not affect eating or swallowing. After surgery for vocal cord polyps, a patient can normally eat four to six hours after waking from general anesthesia. However, care must be taken not to cough violently while eating, and spicy or irritating foods should be consumed less or avoided altogether. This does not mean that one cannot eat normally after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps should be seen by the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department.

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Therefore, they are primarily treated in the otolaryngology departments of clinics. In larger comprehensive hospitals, where specialties are more detailed, one might see an expert in the pharyngology or laryngology departments. In traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, patients might visit the department of otorhinolaryngology, which is included within the broader five senses (otorhinolaryngology) department. In general, the treatment of vocal cord polyps is predominantly managed by otolaryngologists, with the main treatment method being surgical removal of the polyps. After surgery, it is recommended to speak less to avoid the recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What to eat after vocal cord polyp surgery

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms located on the vocal cords, typically affecting one side. Clinically, the removal of vocal cord polyps is usually done under a microscope-supported laryngoscopy. Post-operative dietary guidelines include: 1. Eating can generally resume six hours after anesthesia has fully worn off, with a requirement for a bland diet. Consuming spicy and stimulating foods, such as tobacco, alcohol, and chili peppers, must be avoided. 2. Since hospital stays for vocal cord polyp surgery are relatively short, after discharge, one can use proprietary Chinese medicines that clear the throat and benefit the voice, or use corticosteroid medications concurrently. These medications can help prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps and reduce post-operative congestion and swelling of the vocal cord mucosa. 3. After surgery, a normal diet can be resumed, so long as it remains bland. However, care should be taken sometimes to avoid foods like fish, shrimp, and other seafood, which can cause allergies, as well as certain fruits like mangoes. It is advisable to minimize consumption of allergy-prone foods.

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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.