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Laryngeal polyps / nodules

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Laryngeal polyps and nodules are lesions of the vocal cords, caused by a misuse of the voice, as well as by irritants such as tobacco, alcohol or gastric reflux.

It manifests with an alteration in the tone of voice, which can progress to aphonia.

The diagnosis is clinical and by direct laryngoscopy, performed by a specialist.

Treatment includes removal of irritants and vocal therapy. Polyps usually require surgical removal for voice normalization to be restored.

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 voice
Cough with blood or pus
Permanent throat clearing

Self-care

Rest your voice.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Maintain hydration of half a gallon per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.
Reduce tobacco consumption.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
It is recommended to follow a balanced diet, consume water-soluble fiber (fruits and vegetables), avoid gas-producing foods (beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), carbonated beverages with preservatives, synthetic sweeteners and refined sugar.
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