Vocal polyps form due to accumulation of fluid in subepithelial layer followed by ingrowth of connective tissues Mostly affects men b/w 30-50 years 90% solitary & unilateral May be pedunculated or sessile Most common near the anterior commissure They occur due to severe vocal trauma causing vocal cord hemorrhage Chronic inhalation of irritants (cigarette smoke, industrial fumes) Gastric reflux Untreated hypothyroid states Chronic laryngeal allergy

1. Vocal polyp
Dr. Krishna Koirala

2. Vocal Polyp
• Accumulation of fluid in subepithelial layer followed by ingrowth of
connective tissues
• Mostly affects men b/w 30-50 years
• 90% solitary & unilateral
• May be pedunculated or sessile
• Most common near the anterior commissure

3. Etiopathogenesis
• Severe vocal trauma causing vocal
cord hemorrhage
• Chronic inhalation of irritants
(cigarette smoke, industrial
fumes)
• Gastric reflux
• Untreated hypothyroid states
• Chronic laryngeal allergy
Extreme vocal exertion
breakage of capillaries in
Reinke’s space
extra -vasation of blood &
edema formation
Fibrosis of hematoma
Polyp Formation

4. Clinical features
• Symptoms
−Hoarseness
−Normal voice if polyp hangs in subglottis space
−Sudden episode of hoarseness may occur due to superior
displacement of polyp during phonation
−Dyspnea due to large polyp
−Diplophonia

5. Types of vocal polyps
• Gelatinous
− Edematous stroma with fibrosis
• Telangiectatic / hemorrhagic
− Dilated blood vessels, hemorrhage within polyp
• Transitional or mixed
− Dilated blood vessels within gelatinous substance

6. Treatment
1. Micro-laryngoscopy &
excision of polyp
a. Micro-flap Technique
b. Truncation Technique
2. Voice therapy
− For 1 week before surgery
and 3 weeks after surgery