Early symptoms of recurrent vocal cord polyps

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 26, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. If vocal cord polyps recur, they can cause related clinical symptoms, the most common being a hoarse voice. Some patients experience persistent hoarseness, while others have sporadic hoarseness. Moreover, the hoarseness generally becomes more pronounced after excessive use of the voice. In terms of treatment, the first step is to visit an otolaryngologist. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to examine the size of the polyp in detail. If the polyp is relatively small, conservative treatment may be considered, commonly involving oral medication combined with nebulization therapy. However, if the polyp is particularly large, surgery might be necessary.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Why do vocal cord polyps bleed?

Vocal cord polyps are a cold-natured and space-occupying lesion located on the vocal cords, usually occurring unilaterally. Clinically, they primarily present as hoarseness. Examination can reveal a polyp-like neoplasm protruding from the surface of one vocal cord. There are two reasons for bleeding in vocal cord polyps. One is intense coughing or other mechanical injuries that cause bleeding on the surface of the polyp, due to damage to the vocal cord mucosa, among other factors. The second is that these polyps are hemorrhagic, possessing a rich supply of blood vessels, referred to as hemorrhagic polyps, which are prone to bleeding. Another scenario is post-surgical bleeding due to mucosal damage, friction, or other factors following surgery for vocal cord polyps, primarily involving these three factors.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated conservatively?

Vocal cord polyps are relatively common otolaryngological diseases. Some patients may consider conservative treatments such as oral medication, nebulization therapy, and voice rehabilitation training. However, throughout the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the treatment effects. If symptoms like hoarseness gradually improve and the vocal cord polyps shrink after conservative treatments, it might be advisable to continue the treatment. Conversely, if hoarseness or the size of the polyps does not improve or continues to grow, conservative treatments are deemed ineffective, and surgical removal may be necessary. Post-operative regular check-ups are also essential to monitor for any recurrence. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to take care of vocal cord polyps in daily life?

Vocal cord polyps are primarily caused by improper voice use, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue, leading to vocal cord lesions. They cause persistent hoarseness in patients and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. If a patient experiences persistent hoarseness, they should first visit a hospital for an examination using a laryngoscope. In the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, a pale white or pale red, smooth-surfaced abnormal neoplasm will be found. This causes incomplete closure of the vocal cords and results in hoarseness. For treatment, vocal cord polyps require the removal through endoscopic support with a laryngoscope. Surgery requires hospitalization, and complete vocal rest for a week post-surgery, along with speaking softly and eating a bland diet, can gradually improve the condition and prevent recurrent episodes.