Vocal Cord Polyp
A fleshy growth on the vocal cord. Vocal cord polyps occur singly, rather than paired as do vocal cord nodules, though more than one polyp may be present. A polyp arises from the mucous membrane that forms the VOCAL CORDS; it grows out from the vocal cord on a stemlike appendage, which allows the polyp to move freely as the vocal cord vibrates. The location and size of the polyp determine the ways that it interferes with speech and hence its symptoms, which can include a “breathy” quality to the voice, hoarseness, difficulty “starting” the voice, and sometimes loss of the voice.
Polyps develop as a result of irritation such as from smoking, chronic POSTNASAL DRIP, environmental pollutants, and allergic PHARYNGITIS. Because polyps in other locations of the body, such as the intestines and the SINUSES, occasionally become cancerous, otolaryngologists recommend prompt surgical removal. Most people fully recover within four to six weeks. VOICE THERAPY can teach methods to preserve and protect the voice. Continued exposure to the causative irritants, such as cigarette smoke, is likely to result in recurrent polyps.
Polyps develop as a result of irritation such as from smoking, chronic POSTNASAL DRIP, environmental pollutants, and allergic PHARYNGITIS. Because polyps in other locations of the body, such as the intestines and the SINUSES, occasionally become cancerous, otolaryngologists recommend prompt surgical removal. Most people fully recover within four to six weeks. VOICE THERAPY can teach methods to preserve and protect the voice. Continued exposure to the causative irritants, such as cigarette smoke, is likely to result in recurrent polyps.
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