Can vocal cord polyps be treated conservatively?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 26, 2025
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is vocal cord polyp removal painful?

Vocal cord polyp removal surgery generally does not cause notable pain. Currently, there are mainly two types of surgery for vocal cord polyps. The first type is under general anesthesia, and the second type is under local anesthesia, including topical anesthesia. If you choose surgery under general anesthesia, the patient will be under anesthesia throughout the procedure and will not feel pain. However, there might be varying degrees of pain after the surgery, although it is generally tolerable. If you choose surgery under topical anesthesia, there might be some pain during the procedure, but it typically isn't severe. Post-surgery pain is usually not too intense, but regular follow-ups are necessary, mainly to monitor for any recurrence of the polyps.

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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 eat eggs?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness. If the vocal cord polyps are small, conservative treatment can be considered. If the polyps are large and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. Regarding diet, eggs can be consumed. Eggs do not worsen the condition of vocal cord polyps nor do they affect the treatment outcomes. Overall, it is recommended to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. After treatment, it is also necessary to regularly re-examine the larynx to monitor changes in the condition.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to detect vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring diseases in otolaryngology. How to examine vocal cord polyps primarily involves assessing the patient's symptoms. For instance, if a patient develops vocal cord polyps, they will first exhibit symptoms of hoarseness. If the hoarseness persists and cannot be alleviated, an electronic laryngoscopy should be conducted initially. By using an electronic laryngoscope, the movement of the vocal cords and the condition of the vocal cord mucosa can be observed on a display screen, thereby identifying the presence of vocal cord polyps. For patients with vocal cord polyps, it is important in daily life to reduce voice use, avoid excessive vocalization, and lessen harmful habits such as smoking and drinking to prevent the occurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take for vocal cord polyps to go away with medication?

Vocal cord polyps do not respond to medical treatment. The majority of vocal cord polyps are caused by improper or excessive use of the voice, such as prolonged speaking, overexertion, and shouting, leading to vocal cord lesions. The disease typically affects one vocal cord, causing the patient to have persistent and progressively worsening hoarseness. During an examination with a laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm with a thin stalk can be seen at the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The vocal cord moves well but does not close completely. In terms of treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord nodules and polyps. The patient needs to undergo a vocal cord polypectomy under a support laryngoscopy. This surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent local infection. Recovery and discharge can typically occur about a week post-operation. After recovery, patients are advised to speak softly and minimally, and avoid exhaustion to prevent recurrence. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)