Which is more serious: vocal cord thickening or vocal polyps?

Dec 06, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Compared to vocal cord thickening, vocal cord polyps are generally more severe. Vocal cord thickening mainly refers to diffuse or localized enlargement in the vocal cord area. Vocal cord polyps are typically proliferative mucosal lesions; if left untreated, long-standing polyps may potentially undergo malignant transformation. Therefore, polyps are considered more serious than simple thickening.

Compared to vocal cord hypertrophy, vocal polyps are generally more severe.

Vocal cord hypertrophy is mainly caused by improper voice use or excessive vocal strain, leading to generalized or localized enlargement of the vocal cords. Symptoms may include hoarseness, a foreign body sensation, dryness, and pain. In contrast, vocal polyps typically result from repeated vocal cord trauma due to improper or excessive voice use, causing hyperplastic mucosal lesions. If left untreated, long-standing polyps may potentially undergo malignant transformation; therefore, polyps are considered more serious than hypertrophy.

Vocal cord hypertrophy can usually be treated with medications such as gentamicin sulfate capsules or dexamethasone tablets, along with minimizing speech to allow adequate vocal rest. However, vocal polyps often require surgical removal, such as medial microflap excision under laryngoscopic guidance or carbon dioxide laser resection of the vocal cord lesion, depending on the size of the polyp.

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