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Vocal cord polyps are soft, blister-like growths caused by voice abuse, with symptoms including hoarseness, throat lump, and ear pain. Rest, medication, and surgery are treatment options. Polyps can turn into nodules if left untreated, and in rare cases, can become cancerous.
A vocal cord polyp is a noncancerous blister-like growth on the vocal cord. One can appear alone or several can grow on both cables at the same time. They differ from vocal cord nodules in that the nodules are hard and the polyps are soft. Polyps appear as swollen areas, stalk-like growths, or blister-like lesions. The main cause of polyps is voice abuse. Singers, theater actors, and sports coaches are examples of people with an increased risk of developing vocal cord polyps.
Symptoms of polyps and nodules are similar and include a hoarse voice that lasts longer than two to three weeks. The voice can also become scratchy. A feeling of a lump in the throat or shooting pains in the ears are also signs that polyps of the vocal cords are present. The first sign of polyps for professional singers is often a decrease in pitch of the voice when performing. General fatigue is another possible symptom.
If left untreated, a vocal polyp eventually turns into a vocal cord nodule. The nodules are hard and look like calluses. Treating vocal cord polyps prevents them from turning into more difficult nodules to treat.
Diagnosis is made through an examination by a doctor, usually an otolaryngologist, who specializes in diseases of the nose, ears, and throat. This exam usually involves visual examination of the vocal cords with an endoscope. An assessment by a speech specialist may also be required. In some cases, a neurological exam is included. The evaluation team studies the test results to make the diagnosis.
Treatment typically begins with resting the vocal cords. Prescriptions may be written for medications to treat contributing factors, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or allergies. Voice behavior training to eliminate future abuse is another treatment option. In cases where these methods don’t work, surgery is done to remove the polyps. A combination of medical, behavioral, and, if necessary, surgical intervention effectively treats most vocal cord polyps.
Most vocal cord polyps are benign, but on rare occasions they can become cancerous. When a vocal cord polyp is surgically removed, it is sent for a biopsy to determine if it is malignant. If so, the patient is referred to an oncologist for evaluation and any necessary treatment. A visit to a doctor is recommended whenever you notice changes in your voice for more than two weeks, develop ear or neck pain, or have other symptoms of a vocal cord polyp.
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