Written By: Benjamin Damazo, MD
Voice disorders can significantly impact daily life, especially for those who rely on their voice for work or personal expression. In this article, Benjamin Damazo, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist specializing in voice disorders, explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for vocal fold polyps.
Dr. Damazo’s expertise in voice, swallowing, and breathing disorders stems from his extensive training, including a Laryngology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His advanced knowledge of specialized voice, airway, and swallowing procedures allows him to provide expert care for patients experiencing voice-related conditions.
What are Vocal Fold Polyps?
Vocal fold polyps are soft growths that can form on the vocal cords (also called vocal folds) inside your voice box, or larynx. The vocal folds are two thin, flexible bands of tissue that vibrate to create sound when you speak, sing, or even whisper.
Polyps usually develop because of irritation, overuse, infection, or trauma to the vocal folds.
To make it simple, think of vocal fold polyps like small blisters or bumps on your vocal cords. Just like a blister on your hand might make it hard to hold something, polyps on the vocal cords can make it hard to speak or sing normally.
What Causes Vocal Fold Polyps?
Vocal polyps can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Overusing or Straining the Voice: Shouting, singing loudly, or speaking for long periods without rest can damage the vocal cords.
- Lower Pitch or Limited Range: Polyps can reduce your ability to hit high notes or maintain a steady tone. Singers often notice they can’t perform as well.
Example: You might struggle to sing softly or lose clarity when you raise your voice. - Voice Fatigue: Speaking or singing for even a short time may leave you feeling very tired. The extra effort your vocal cords make to produce sound can be exhausting.
- Intermittent Voice Loss: Sometimes the voice can cut out completely or become unpredictable because of the polyp interfering with vibration.
How Do Vocal Fold Polyps Affect the Voice?
The presence of a polyp changes how your vocal cords vibrate, which can lead to noticeable changes in your voice and vocal quality.
Here’s how it happens:
- Hoarseness or Roughness: Polyps make it difficult for the vocal cords to close fully and vibrate evenly. This causes the voice to sound hoarse, raspy, or breathy.
Example: Your voice may sound like you have a constant cold or like you just woke up.
- Lower Pitch or Limited Range: Polyps can reduce your ability to hit high notes or maintain a steady tone. Singers often notice they can’t perform as well.
Example: You might struggle to sing softly or lose clarity when you raise your voice. - Voice Fatigue: Speaking or singing for even a short time may leave you feeling very tired. The extra effort your vocal cords make to produce sound can be exhausting.
- Intermittent Voice Loss: Sometimes the voice can cut out completely or become unpredictable because of the polyp interfering with vibration.
How Are Vocal Fold Polyps Diagnosed and Treated?
If you experience ongoing voice problems, it’s important to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) or laryngeal/voice specialist (Laryngologist). Evaluation often includes:
- Examination: A small camera (laryngoscope) is used to look at your vocal cords and identify any polyps and to assess the vibration patterns of your voice (stroboscopy).
- Voice Therapy: Speech-language pathologists can help you learn how to use your voice properly and reduce strain.
- Lifestyle Changes: Resting your voice, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and treating acid reflux can help heal the vocal cords.
- Surgery: If the polyp is large or does not go away with rest and therapy, surgery may be needed to remove it.
To Help You Understand
- Normal Vocal Folds: Healthy vocal cords are smooth, flexible, and close fully when you speak or sing. This allows them to vibrate evenly and produce a clear voice.
- Vocal Cords with a Polyp: A polyp appears as a bump or swelling on one of the vocal cords, preventing them from closing evenly. This disrupts the smooth vibration and causes hoarseness.
- Effects on Sound Waves: Normal cords produce smooth, even sound waves. With a polyp, the waves become uneven and jagged, leading to a rough or breathy sound.
- Voice Care Tips: Include visuals of hydration, vocal rest, and proper posture to support vocal health.
Conclusion
Vocal fold polyps are common voice issues caused by irritation or overuse. While they can be frustrating, they are treatable. By recognizing the symptoms early and taking steps to care for your voice, you can keep your vocal cords healthy and your voice strong.
For individuals struggling with persistent voice changes or discomfort, consulting an ENT specialist like Dr. Damazo can be the first step toward finding relief. If you’re experiencing hoarseness or other voice concerns, schedule your appointment today Dr. Damazo to explore your treatment options.
