What is a laryngeal polyp?

A laryngeal polyp is a benign growth of mucous membrane in the area of the vocal folds and the larynx, which usually only occurs on one side. Due to its proximity to the vocal cord, a laryngeal polyp can also be called a vocal cord polyp. In the majority of cases, a laryngeal polyp is benign, takes on a shape the size of a pinhead to a pea and can develop as a result of chronic laryngitis and cause hoarseness, a loss of voice and/or an irritating cough. Middle-aged men who smoke cigarettes and use their voices a lot are more likely than average to develop laryngeal polyps.

How does a laryngeal polyp develop?

A laryngeal polyp develops either due to incorrect vocal technique or chronic laryngitis. Men, cigarette smokers and all those who strain their voice are particularly prone to laryngeal polyps. It consists of connective tissue, mucus or small skin vessels and takes on a shape the size of a pinhead or pea and grows on the free edge of the vocal cords. A laryngeal polyp can have a broad-based appearance or be stalked.

What are the symptoms of a laryngeal polyp?

A laryngeal polyp can cause hoarseness of varying degrees and/or a double tone of the voice (diplophonia). The latter is caused by the different vibration abilities of the healthy and the vocal fold affected by the polyp. In addition, some patients complain of a tickling sensation in the throat or the compulsion to clear the throat frequently. In extreme cases, large laryngeal polyps can also cause shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to the signs of laryngeal cancer and should be seen by a doctor as a matter of urgency.

How is a laryngeal polyp diagnosed?

A laryngeal polyp is diagnosed by an ENT doctor by means of a laryngoscopy. If the polyps are small, it may not be possible to distinguish them from a cyst or vocal fold nodule during laryngoscopy. For a definite diagnosis of a laryngeal polyp, a pathological examination is therefore usually ordered. For a particularly detailed examination of the vocal cords, a nasal endoscopy can also be carried out using a light source and a mini camera.

How is a laryngeal polyp treated?

In most cases, the laryngeal polyp is removed through a microlaryngoscopic surgical procedure by ablation using a snare. The piece of tissue that is removed is then examined in the laboratory to make sure that it is not cancerous. In very rare cases, a laryngeal polyp will recur. It may also make sense to consult a speech therapist to start speech and voice therapy, as a laryngeal polyp always puts a lot of strain on the vocal cords. However, the person concerned usually regains the same voice quality as they had before the disease.