In the hectic pace of life, many subtle physical changes are often overlooked, especially those seemingly inconsequential "minor problems". For example, hoarseness, which may only occur occasionally, or is caused by a cold or excessive use of the voice, but if it persists for several months and does not improve, it needs to cause us to be highly vigilant.
Vocal cord polyps: silent voice killers
Vocal cord polyps, as a common benign lesion of the larynx, are often related to factors such as long-term improper use of the voice, excessive vocalization, and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Compared to other lumps on the vocal cords, vocal cord polyps have their own unique characteristics.
Vocal cord mass is a broader concept that includes vocal cord polyps, vocal cord nodules, vocal cord cysts, and even more serious laryngeal precancerous lesions. Vocal cord polyps, on the other hand, refer to translucent, white or pink smooth masses that appear at the junction of the anterior and mid-1/3 of the vocal cord margins, mostly in the form of pedicles or broad bases, and are one of the more common vocal cord masses.
The dangers of vocal cord polyps should not be underestimated
Although vocal cord polyps are small, their harm should not be underestimated. First of all, its most direct impact is to cause hoarseness, and in severe cases, it may even lose voice, which seriously affects daily life and work communication. Long-term hoarseness may also trigger psychological disorders, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, etc.
In addition, if left untreated, vocal cord polyps may grow in size, affect respiratory function, and may even become malignant, although this is rare, but not impossible. What's more, long-term voice problems may mask other, more serious health problems, such as reflux throat, laryngeal tumors, etc.
Scientific treatment, regain a clear voice
In the face of vocal cord polyps, timely and scientific treatment is the key.
In general, treatment depends on the size and location of the polyp and the patient's specific situation. For polyps that are initially small and have mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment first, including vocal cord rest, vocal training, and medications (such as anti-inflammatory and anti-edema drugs) to promote the resolution of polyps through nonsurgical means.
However, for polyps that are large, symptomatic, or do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical removal is the preferred option. Modern laryngeal microsurgery technology is mature, which can accurately remove polyps while preserving normal vocal cord tissue, resulting in fast postoperative recovery and low recurrence rate.
Seek medical attention in time to protect the health of your voice
When we find that our hoarseness persists for months, we should not take it lightly and think that it is just a temporary "minor problem". Although vocal cord polyps are benign lesions, their potential risks and harms cannot be ignored. Seeking medical attention in a timely manner and receiving diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor is an important step in protecting the health of our voice and preventing the condition from worsening.