What is the difference between vocal cord leukoplakia and vocal cord polyps?
Disease description:
Dad said he recently always feels like there's something in his throat when swallowing saliva. I thought it might be a vocal cord polyp, but after going to the hospital, he was diagnosed with leukoplakia of the vocal cords. What's the difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord leukoplakia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Gang
Leukoplakia of the vocal cords and vocal cord polyps generally differ in terms of symptoms and treatment methods. Vocal cord polyps are inflammatory lesions occurring in the vocal cords, classified as benign conditions that typically do not undergo malignant transformation and can be cured through surgery. Vocal cord leukoplakia, although also a benign condition, is considered a precancerous lesion. Complete removal of the lesion as early as possible when symptoms appear can reduce the risk of recurrence. Vocal cord polyps are translucent and appear as protruding masses, whereas leukoplakia presents as white spots with an uneven surface.
