Vocal Cord Polyp

What are the Symptoms of Vocal Cord Polyps?

Although the symptoms vary in each individual, vocal cord polyps should be suspected when the following symptoms are observed alone or together:

• Voice changes such as hoarsening, bifurcation and trembling of the voice,
• Changes in Voice Tone During Speech,
• Deterioration of Sound Quality,
• Restlessness and Pain in the Throat,
• Neck Pain

If vocal cord polyps are not diagnosed and diagnosed and the necessary treatment is not applied, it may cause irreparable problems such as scar formation on the vocal cord (scarring), painful voice use, permanent hoarseness.

A detailed examination of the vocal cords should be performed by a specialist ear-nose-throat doctor to determine whether the complaints are caused by vocal cord polyps. Endoscopic examination using the mouth area provides the most accurate diagnosis.

For the treatment of polyps caused by medical problems, medication is primarily used. In the treatment of vocal cord polyps that are not caused by medical problems, voice therapy or surgical intervention is used. However, there is usually no spontaneous healing and no change in the size of the polyps. For this reason, medication and therapy methods should not be insisted on for a long time. Otherwise, polyps may burst and cause permanent damage to the vocal cords. Surgical removal is the most appropriate method.

How is vocal cord polyp surgery performed?

After the diagnosis of vocal cord polyps, surgical intervention is decided if voice rest, medication and voice therapy methods do not yield results. Endoscopic methods called Phonomicrosurgery, Microlaryngoscopy and other endoscopic methods that do not involve any external incision are used:

Phonomicrosurgery / Microlaryngoscopy: It is a surgical intervention to cut out the polyp when the tissue deterioration in the vocal cord is large or in a hard-to-reach area. It is performed under general anesthesia. With the help of a laryngoscope and other endoscopic instruments that provide magnified high quality images, the vocal cords are accessed through the mouth and the polyp is cut out without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. The operation takes 30-45 minutes on average. Since there is no need for stitches, the patient is discharged on the same day. Eating and drinking activities are not restricted, but whispering or speaking in a normal voice is not allowed for a week, voice rest is applied. There may be mild sore throat and difficulty in swallowing for a maximum of one day. Tongue numbness and loss of taste caused by compression of the tongue during the operation will resolve spontaneously within a few weeks.

Since the reason for the formation of vocal cord polyps is the wrong behavior in the use of the voice, it is strongly recommended to receive voice therapy to prevent recurrence after the vocal cords have healed.

What is the Recovery Time for Vocal Cord Polyp Surgery?

Vocal cord polyp surgeries are painless and the patient is discharged on the same day. A one-week vocal rest is generally recommended after the operation. A mild sore throat may be experienced on the first day, but this is temporary. Reflux medication support and reflux diet can be applied for about two weeks after the operation. At the end of this period, vocal cords recover.

Speech After Vocal Cord Polyp Surgery

If the recommendations and instructions given by the doctor are followed after the operation, there is no problem in speaking or using the voice. In cases where voice therapy is not received or poor use of the voice continues, there is a possibility of polyp formation again.

If you are experiencing problems such as hoarseness, voice change, restlessness and pain in the throat for more than ten days, you can contact us using our contact information; you can be treated in our center, which is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vocal cord disorders, uses tools and apparatus equipped with the latest technologies, prioritizes your special demands and needs, and get more detailed information about your disease.