Throat polyps are non-cancerous growths on the vocal cords that can affect voice production. Understanding their nature, causes, and treatment is important for those experiencing symptoms.
What are Throat Polyps?
Throat polyps are non-cancerous growths on the vocal folds, located within the voice box (larynx). They are typically soft, blister-like, or fluid-filled, though some can be fibrous or hemorrhagic. These lesions can impact voice quality.
Polyps commonly arise on one vocal cord, though they can sometimes affect both. They frequently appear at the midpoint of the vocal cord, a location prone to stress during voice use. The presence of a polyp interferes with the normal vibration and closure of the vocal cords, which are essential for producing sound.
Recognizing Throat Polyps
Throat polyps primarily affect the voice. Hoarseness is a common first indicator, often accompanied by a breathy, rough, or scratchy voice. Individuals might also experience a sensation of a lump in the throat or neck pain extending from ear to ear.
Other signs include vocal fatigue, making it difficult to speak or sing for extended periods, and a reduced ability to change vocal pitch or range. Some people may notice a delayed sound or voice cracking when they begin to speak, or a frequent need to clear their throat. The specific symptoms and their intensity can vary depending on the polyp’s size and exact location on the vocal cord.
Causes and Risk Factors
Throat polyps primarily develop from vocal cord trauma or irritation. The most common cause is vocal abuse or overuse (phonotrauma). This includes activities like speaking or singing too loudly, at an abnormal pitch, or with excessive muscle strain, as well as prolonged talking, yelling, or screaming. Even a single instance of intense vocal abuse, such as shouting at a concert, can lead to polyp formation.
Beyond vocal stress, chronic irritation and inflammation also contribute to polyp development. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), allergies, and chronic inhalation of irritants like cigarette smoke or industrial fumes can increase the likelihood of polyps. Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism, are also contributing factors.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosing throat polyps typically begins with a thorough physical examination and a review of the patient’s symptoms. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor typically uses a laryngoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera, to visualize the vocal cords directly. This allows for a detailed assessment of the polyps’ size, shape, and location.
Videostroboscopy is a specialized diagnostic technique that combines a strobe light with a laryngoscope to capture detailed images of the vocal cords in motion, providing insights into their vibration patterns. In some instances, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment for vocal cord polyps varies based on the polyp’s characteristics and symptom severity. Voice rest is often recommended to allow the vocal cords to heal, and voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist is a common initial approach. Voice therapy teaches proper vocal hygiene, techniques to avoid vocal abuse, and exercises to improve voice quality.
Medications may be used to manage underlying causes, such as acid reflux or allergies, which can contribute to polyp formation. If conservative methods are ineffective or the polyp is large, surgical removal may be necessary. Microsurgery, sometimes using a laser, is a precise procedure performed under anesthesia to remove the growth while preserving vocal cord function.
Potential Implications
Throat polyps are almost always benign and do not typically become cancerous. This provides reassurance for individuals diagnosed with them.
However, if left untreated, polyps can lead to persistent voice problems, including chronic hoarseness and vocal fatigue, impacting daily communication and quality of life. Untreated polyps can also cause continued irritation or trauma to the vocal cords, potentially leading to further vocal cord damage.
Following treatment, lifestyle adjustments like avoiding vocal abuse and managing underlying conditions are important to prevent recurrence. Regular follow-up helps monitor vocal health.