What causes vocal cord papilloma?
Sep 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, laryngeal papillomas may be associated with factors such as excessive voice use, poor lifestyle habits, acid reflux, laryngeal conjunctival polyps, and allergic reactions. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Prolonged loud speaking or occupational demands requiring extended periods of talking can irritate the vocal cord mucosa, leading to mucosal hyperplasia and the formation of vocal cord nodules. It is recommended that patients avoid speaking loudly in daily life.
Under normal circumstances, laryngeal papillomas may be associated with factors such as vocal overuse, unhealthy lifestyle habits, acid reflux, laryngeal conjunctival polyps, and allergic reactions. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Vocal Overuse
If patients speak loudly for prolonged periods or need to speak extensively due to occupational demands, the vocal mucosa may become irritated and hyperplastic, leading to vocal nodules. It is recommended that patients avoid speaking loudly in daily life. When necessary, surgical treatments such as excision of vocal nodules under indirect laryngoscopy, or laser surgery via fiberoptic or electronic laryngoscopy, may be performed under a physician's guidance.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Long-term smoking and alcohol consumption may irritate the vocal cords and contribute to the development of laryngeal papillomas. Patients should cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, avoiding smoking and drinking, as well as refraining from consuming spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan pepper.
3. Acid Reflux
In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid can reflux into the throat and irritate local mucosal tissues. Over time, this may also affect the vocal cords. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets for treatment.
4. Laryngeal Conjunctival Polyps
Laryngeal conjunctival polyps are benign tumors beneath the laryngeal mucosa, commonly causing symptoms like hoarseness and sore throat. Long-standing laryngeal polyps may chronically irritate the laryngeal mucosa and lead to papilloma formation. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as Huangshi Xiangsheng Pills or Jinshang Kaiyin Capsules for treatment.
5. Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions refer to abnormal immune responses of the body to foreign substances, possibly related to patient allergies to dust, pollen, food, etc. Inhalation of allergens such as pollen or house dust mites may trigger the development of laryngeal papillomas. Patients may consider using antihistamine medications such as loratadine tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride capsules under medical advice.
If patients experience any discomfort, they are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.
