What are vocal fold polyps ?
What Are Vocal Fold Polyps?
Vocal fold polyps are soft, non-cancerous bumps that develop on the vocal cords. They usually appear on one vocal cord and can vary in size and shape. Polyps are larger than nodules and may affect the way your voice sounds.
What Causes Vocal Fold Polyps?
Polyps usually form because of vocal strain or overuse, such as:
Yelling or cheering at sports events
Teaching or speaking all day
Singing without proper technique
Other contributing factors include:
Smoking or environmental irritants – substances like tobacco smoke, fumes, or dust can irritate and inflame your vocal cords.
Acid reflux (GERD) – when stomach acid travels up into the throat, it can irritate the vocal cords and make them more prone to polyps.
Allergies – can cause swelling and inflammation in the throat.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Vocal Fold Polyp?
Look out for:
Hoarseness or breathy voice
Voice fatigue—getting tired after speaking or singing
Difficulty reaching high or low notes
Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
Frequent throat clearing
Sometimes neck or ear pain
How Are Vocal Fold Polyps Diagnosed in the UK?
Typically, if you are experiencing voice difficulties, your GP will refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) for an assessment of your voice. An ENT specialist may:
Ask about your voice use and symptoms
Use a laryngoscope, a small camera to view the vocal cords
Perform stroboscopy, a test that shows how the vocal cords vibrate
Occasionally, take a biopsy if the growth looks unusual
What Treatments Are Available for Vocal Fold Polyps in the UK?
Online voice therapy can effectively:
Teach you safe ways to use your voice
Reduce strain so the polyp can heal naturally
Support recovery after surgery
vocal hygiene
We offer online voice therapy for clients in the UK and internationally (except Canada and the Caribbean).
Other approaches may include:
Lifestyle adjustments, like treating GERD, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, alcohol, and caffeine
Surgery if the polyp is large or persistent—but even then, voice therapy is essential for long-term recovery
Can Vocal Fold Polyps Heal Without Surgery?
Yes, many vocal fold polyps can improve with professional voice therapy. A study of 644 patients found that approximately 38% experienced complete resolution and 46% showed a clinically significant reduction in size after several months of conservative treatment, which included voice therapy and lifestyle adjustments. PubMed
This suggests that bespoke voice therapy, tailored to your unique vocal needs and lifestyle, can be an effective alternative to surgery, helping you recover your natural voice safely.
Can My Voice Fully Recover After Having a Vocal Fold Polyp?
Yes! Most people regain a normal voice with appropriate treatment. Early intervention with voice therapy leads to the best outcomes, and surgery combined with therapy also works very well.
How Can I Prevent Vocal Fold Polyps From Coming Back?
Avoid shouting or speaking loudly for long periods
Avoid irritants like tobacco smoke, fumes, or dust that can inflame the vocal cords
Manage GERD by treating reflux and avoiding acid triggers such as spicy foods or caffeine
Treat allergies that cause throat irritation.
Can I have Voice Therapy with the NHS?
The ENT consultant will often refer you to a NHS Voice Therapist. We see people who have seen an ENT consultant privately due to a long NHS wait, or those that are waiting for an NHS appointment but are keen to get started due to the impact on their income.
Do you have a waiting list?
No - we have no waiting list and we can typically book you in within one week of the initial consultation.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.