Vocal cord polyps are small, swollen lesions that cause hoarseness and can develop from vocal cord injury, chronic throat irritation, or exposure to irritants. They are diagnosed by visual examination and treated with surgical removal, followed by lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence. Whispering is hard on vocal cords, and professions that involve speaking loudly are at risk. Vocal training can help prevent polyps, but surgery is the only treatment once they develop.
Vocal cord polyps are small, swollen lesions in the folds of the mucous membranes of the vocal cord. They typically occur on one side of the vocal fold. If left untreated, they cause an increasing hoarseness of the voice. Vocal cord polyps develop from a vocal cord injury or chronic throat irritation. A change in voice for more than three weeks warrants an evaluation for polyps by a doctor.
Constant exposure to irritants, including tobacco smoke and industrial chemical fumes, can cause vocal cord polyps to develop. Recurring trauma to the vocal cord from singing, shouting, or speaking loudly are known causes of polyp development. People with hypothyroidism, gastric reflux, or allergies affecting the throat are also at risk of developing vocal cord polyps.
The primary symptom of vocal cord polyp is a slowly progressing hoarseness of the voice. Hoarseness can take years to develop enough to interfere with everyday conversation, although people who use their voice professionally, such as singers, may find it progresses more quickly. In addition to hoarseness, the voice may take on a low, breathy quality.
Vocal cord polyps are diagnosed by visual examination. Your doctor will examine your vocal cord with an instrument called a laryngoscope, which incorporates a mirror. If lesions are found during the exam, a biopsy is typically done at that time to rule out cancer.
Polyps are treated by surgical removal. After the polyps have been removed, the patient is advised to avoid anything that could cause new ones to develop. This may mean changing voice patterns, quitting smoking, or maintaining treatment for hypothyroidism or acid reflux. If the polyps were caused by voice strain, the doctor may order a voice therapist to teach the patient how to regulate speech and singing levels. There is usually a follow-up appointment with the surgeon to be sure the patient is healing properly.
While whispering is often seen as a gentle voice, it’s actually hard on the vocal cords. Patients who have had their polyps surgically removed should use a normal speaking voice and avoid whispering. Auctioneers, teachers, and clergy are all professions that put people at risk for vocal cord polyps. Vocal training can help them prevent the possibility of developing vocal cord polyps, but after the polyps develop, the only treatment is surgery.
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