Ms. Hoa's ear, nose, and throat endoscopy results showed clean external ear canals on both sides, clear eardrums, and no fluid in the middle ear. Her pharynx and hypopharynx were normal, but there was fluid in her nasal cleft and floor, swollen nasal turbinates, a grade one right nasal polyp, and a polyp on the surface of her right vocal cord.

Master of Science, Doctor Nguyen Duc Minh from Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, explained that vocal cord polyps are benign lesions on the vocal cords. These polyps can affect vocal cord vibration during speech, leading to hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or shortness of breath. Patients often experience only prolonged hoarseness without a sore throat or fever, which can delay early medical consultation.

Ms. Hoa was scheduled for vocal cord polyp removal surgery.

Doctor Dung consults with Ms. Hoa about vocal cord polyp removal surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Doctor Minh, not all cases of vocal cord polyps require surgery. The indication for intervention depends on how much it affects the voice, the duration of the lesion, and its response to medical treatment. Typically, patients with prolonged hoarseness that impacts their daily life or work, or those whose polyps do not improve, will be advised to undergo surgery.

Post-surgery, Ms. Hoa received instructions to limit speaking for the first week. She also needed to monitor and treat any co-existing ear, nose, and throat conditions to avoid recurrence.

Doctors recommend that individuals experiencing hoarseness for more than two to three weeks should consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist for examination and diagnosis. Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications, making intervention more challenging in later stages.

Thuy Hanh

*Patient's name has been changed