Laryngeal polyp removal

Laryngeal polyps are a problem that can lead to loss of voice, impaired breathing, and other unpleasant consequences. The surgeons at the EMC Clinic perform safe and effective tumor removal to help you regain comfort and quality of life.

Why do polyps appear in the larynx

Polyps are benign growths that can occur due to constant strain or damage to the vocal cords. They are usually small, soft growths or thickenings on a thick base or thin stem.

Polyps can cause voice changes, hoarseness, and discomfort. In some cases, they lead to significant breathing and swallowing problems.

The causes of neoplasms may be as follows:

• overexertion of the vocal cords due to shouting, singing, or even ordinary speech in professional activities;

• smoking;

• reflux;

• upper respiratory tract infections, dental diseases.

Laryngeal polyps are not cancer. Neoplasms rarely become malignant, but they can cause discomfort and problems with voice and breathing, so it is better to remove them.

Symptoms of the disease

Polyps can present with various symptoms, depending on their size and location. Most often, patients note:

• Voice change. He becomes hoarse, rude, or low-pitched. Patients also note that the voice gets tired faster than usual – for example, at the end of the day it sits down or is interrupted, it is not possible to speak loudly.

• Discomfort. There is a feeling of an object stuck in the throat.

• Hoarseness. This is a common symptom, especially if the neoplasm is located on the mucous membrane of the vocal folds.

• Breathing problems. Large neoplasms may partially block the respiratory tract.

If these symptoms persist for a long time or return regularly, various pathologies of the vocal apparatus are possible. It is necessary to make an appointment with a phoniatrician to identify the cause.

Indications and contraindications for surgery

Removal of laryngeal polyps is usually recommended if they interfere with the normal functioning of the vocal cords. Indications for surgery may include:

• prolonged or worsening symptoms despite conservative treatment;

• hoarseness, loss of voice;

• difficulty breathing.

Contraindications to surgery are serious systemic diseases in which anesthesia and surgery can do more harm than good. Also, interventions are not performed in case of exacerbation of chronic diseases, throat or respiratory tract infections.

It is important to discuss all possible treatment options with your doctor in order to choose the most appropriate one. In addition to surgical removal, in some cases, medication and voice therapy are indicated.

Removal of polyps in the EMC clinic

Preparation for surgery to remove laryngeal polyps begins with a thorough examination of the patient. Standard examinations include blood, urine, chest X-rays, and an ECG. In addition, to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor can use special diagnostic methods, for example, videolaryngoscopy (endoscopic examination of the larynx).

In the EMC clinic, the operation is performed taking into account all the acoustic features of the vocal apparatus, which contributes to the full restoration of voice and breathing functions after the procedure, as well as significantly shortens the rehabilitation period.

Phonosurgical operations are usually performed under general anesthesia and take 30-60 minutes. The doctor uses an operating microscope, which allows you to magnify the image of the vocal cords up to 10 times. This ensures accurate monitoring during the removal of tumors.

The choice of tools and methods depends on the characteristics of the neoplasm, its size, and localization. For example, operations can be performed using microsurgical instruments or a laser.

Recovery after surgery

The rehabilitation period can last from a week to several months, depending on the complexity of the operation and the individual characteristics of the body. Patients are not allowed to talk or whisper for up to two weeks. Then speech therapy is shown, which will help control the load on the vocal cords to prevent the disease.

You should also limit physical activity and avoid smoking or secondhand smoke inhalation. Meals should be light and non-hot, so as not to irritate the throat.

Due to the use of gentle surgical techniques, operations on the larynx and vocal cords are performed at the EMC clinic with minimal risk of scarring. Therefore, patients recover quickly and do not experience unpleasant symptoms during the rehabilitation period.

Question-answer

What is the danger of a polyp in the throat?

The neoplasm can cause changes in voice, difficulty breathing, and swallowing. In rare cases, malignancy is possible.

Do I need to remove the polyp?

People often live with polyps for years, perceiving minor symptoms as normal. Surgery is recommended if the neoplasm is causing discomfort or growing.

How does a polyp in the throat feel?

Patients usually complain of a feeling of a foreign body stuck in the throat, hoarseness of voice, and shortness of breath.

Is it possible to remove a polyp without anesthesia?

For patient comfort and precision of surgical intervention, surgery on the vocal cords is performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthesia may be used.

How long does it take for the vocal cords to recover after treatment?

Recovery can take from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the operation.

How long can I not talk after vocal cord surgery?

Talking, including whispering, is prohibited for 7-14 days after surgery.