Vocal Cord Polyps

Overview

A polyp is abnormally growing tissue protruding from a mucous membrane, generally defined as arising on the mucosal lining of a hollow organ. Vocal cord polyps grow on the vocal cords and commonly cause hoarseness and voice changes.

Symptoms

• Hoarseness
• Effortful phonation
• Throat foreign body sensation
• Cough
• Change in pitch

Treatment

Management is based on voice rest and reduced voice use. Small polyps may be treated conservatively, while pronounced ones may require laryngeal microsurgical excision, followed by proper voice technique.

Dietary advice

Drink plenty of warm water, eat a light diet, and avoid tobacco, alcohol, spicy foods, and very hot foods.