Spontaneous resolution of hemorrhagic polyps of the true vocal fold

J Voice. 2009 Jan;23(1):132-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2007.07.001. Epub 2008 Jan 11.

Abstract

Hemorrhagic polyps are the most common benign lesions surgically removed from the vocal folds. Although this modality does offer satisfactory results in most of the cases, there is a subset of polyps that seems to resolve with conservative therapy. This study was performed to examine this subset of polyps. Thirty-four consecutive subjects diagnosed with hemorrhagic polyps of the true vocal fold were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence of spontaneous resolution of the lesions with nonsurgical therapy. Sixteen subjects began conservative therapy, consisting of voice therapy and proper vocal hygiene, often while awaiting an optimal personal time for surgical intervention. Of these subjects, nine (56.3%) experienced a resolution of their lesion and symptoms without undergoing surgical therapy. Surgical removal of hemorrhagic polyps is often considered the standard of treatment for these benign lesions. However, these observations support a regimen of voice therapy and observation in select cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / epidemiology*
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Laryngeal Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyps / complications
  • Polyps / epidemiology*
  • Polyps / pathology
  • Remission, Spontaneous*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vocal Cords / physiopathology*
  • Young Adult