What causes vocal cord papilloma?
Clinically common causes of vocal cord papillomas include mechanical injury, chronic inflammation, gastric acid reflux, and others.
1. Mechanical Injury
Prolonged loud speaking or improper voice use may lead to vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels in the vocal cords, resulting in local edema. During vocal cord vibration, this edematous area may suffer further trauma, potentially leading to the formation of a papilloma.
2. Chronic Inflammation
Long-standing chronic inflammation can cause persistent congestion and edema of the vocal cord mucosa, which may contribute to papilloma development.
3. Gastric Acid Reflux
In individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux of stomach acid into the throat and other areas can irritate the local mucosa. Over time, this irritation may also lead to the formation of vocal cord papillomas.
Other potential factors associated with the development of vocal cord papillomas include long-term smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, endocrine dysfunction, and genetic predisposition. It is recommended to seek prompt evaluation at an otolaryngology department in a hospital, where laryngoscopy, voice function assessment, and other relevant examinations should be performed. Once the underlying cause is identified, targeted treatment should be initiated accordingly.