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Laryngeal polyps / nodules

Very low urgency
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Polyps and laryngeal nodules are lesions of the vocal cords caused by vocal abuse and irritants such as tobacco, alcohol or gastric reflux.

They present with a change in the tone of the voice, which can lead to aphonia.

It is diagnosed clinically and by direct laryngoscopy by a specialist.

Treatment includes removal of irritants and voice therapy. Polyps usually require surgical removal to normalise the voice.

Bibliographic references
  1. Altman KW. Vocal fold masses. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2007; 40(5): 1091-108.
  2. Nunes RB, Vedla M, Nunes MB, Paulino JG. Clinical diagnosis and histological analysis of vocal nodules and polyps. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 79(4): 434-40.
  3. Martins RH, Defaveri J, Domingues MA, de Albuquerque E, Silva R. Vocal polyps: clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical aspects. J Voice 2011; 25(1): 98-106.
  4. Ratajczak J, Grzywacz K, Wojdas A, Rapiejko P, Jurkiewicz D. Role of psychological factors in pathogenesis of disturbances of voice caused with vocal nodules. Otolaryngol Pol 2008; 62: 758-63.
  5. Zhuge P, You H, Wang H, Zhang Y, Du H. An Analysis of The Effects of Voice Therapy on Patients With Early Vocal Fold Polyps. 2015 Sep 21. pii: S0892-1997; (15)00: 189-7.
  6. Jeong WJ, Lee SJ, Lee WY, Chang H, Ahn SH. Conservative management for vocal fold polyps. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014; 140(5): 448-52.
  7. Béquignon E, Bach C, Fugain C, Guilleré L, Blumen M, Chabolle F, Wagner I. Long-term results of surgical treatment of vocal fold nodules. Laryngoscope 2013; 123(8): 1926-30.
  8. Effat KG, Milad M. A comparative histopathological study of vocal fold polyps in smokers versus non-smokers. J Laryngol Otol 2015; 129(5): 484-8.
  9. Lee Sw, Park KN. Long-term efficacy of percutaneous steroid injection for treating benign vocal fold lesions: A prospective study. Laryngoscope 2016 Mar 12.
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Symptoms

    Speech impediment

    Muffled voice

    Hoarseness / loss of voice

    Voice so muffled it makes speaking almost impossible

    "Hot potato" voice

Symptoms to watch out for

A feeling of shortness of breath
Total loss of the voice
Cough alongside blood or pus
Permanent throat-clearing

Self-care

Rest the voice.
Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Maintain hydration of 2L per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.
Reduce tobacco consumption.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, consume hydrosoluble fibers (fruits and vegetables), avoid food that produced gas (beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), carbonated beverages with preservatives, synthetic sweeteners, and refined sugar.
Check your symptoms and get a pre-diagnosis
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