Summary about Disease
Vocal cord polyps are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop on the vocal cords. They are often soft, fluid-filled lesions that can vary in size and shape. These polyps can interfere with vocal cord vibration, leading to voice changes. They are often associated with chronic vocal abuse or irritation.
Symptoms
Hoarseness
Breathy voice
Rough or scratchy voice
Loss of vocal range
Voice fatigue
Globus sensation (feeling of a lump in the throat)
Stridor (high-pitched breathing sound, rare)
Causes
Chronic vocal abuse or overuse (e.g., yelling, singing improperly, excessive talking)
Cigarette smoking
Chronic cough
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Allergies
Exposure to irritants (e.g., dust, chemicals)
Hypothyroidism
Medicine Used
Corticosteroids (inhaled or oral): May be prescribed to reduce inflammation, especially if related to allergies or LPR.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers: If LPR/GERD is suspected, to reduce stomach acid production.
Mucolytics: To thin mucus, if excessive mucus production is a factor.
Analgesics: Pain relievers for any discomfort.
Antibiotics: Only if secondary infection is present. Note: Medication is often used in conjunction with voice therapy. In some cases, surgery might be required.
Is Communicable
No, vocal cord polyps are not communicable. They are not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Voice Rest: Avoid excessive talking, yelling, or singing.
Vocal Hygiene: Stay hydrated, avoid smoking and alcohol, and manage allergies and reflux.
Proper Vocal Technique: If you are a professional voice user, seek training in proper vocal technique.
Avoid Irritants: Limit exposure to dust, chemicals, and other irritants.
How long does an outbreak last?
Vocal cord polyps are not considered an outbreak. The duration of symptoms depends on the size of the polyp, the underlying cause, and the treatment approach. Symptoms can be chronic and persist for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated. Symptoms will improve with voice therapy and or surgery.
How is it diagnosed?
Laryngoscopy: A procedure where a doctor uses a small mirror and light (indirect laryngoscopy) or a flexible scope with a camera (flexible laryngoscopy) to visualize the vocal cords.
Videostroboscopy: A specialized laryngoscopy that uses a strobe light to visualize vocal cord vibration in slow motion.
Voice Evaluation: Assessment by a speech-language pathologist to analyze voice quality and function.
Imaging: In rare cases, imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs may be used to rule out other conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms is often gradual.
Early Stages: Subtle hoarseness or voice changes may be noticed intermittently.
Progression: Hoarseness becomes more persistent, and other symptoms like breathiness or voice fatigue may develop.
Chronic Stage: Symptoms persist for weeks or months, potentially affecting daily communication and quality of life. The polyp might continue to grow if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Post Treatement Symtoms should subside.
Important Considerations
Professional Voice Users: Singers, actors, teachers, and others who rely on their voice professionally are at higher risk.
Voice Therapy: Voice therapy is a crucial part of treatment, even if surgery is required.
Rule Out Other Conditions: It's important to rule out other potential causes of voice changes, such as vocal cord nodules, cysts, or cancer.
Lifestyle Modifications: Addressing underlying causes like smoking, reflux, or allergies is essential for long-term management.
Follow-Up: Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional is important to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.