Resolution of a vocal fold polyp treated with Chinese herbal medicine: One case report with literature review

Background and purpose: Vocal fold polyps (VFPs) are common benign laryngeal lesions that greatly impact the quality of life, particularly vocal production. Endolaryngeal phonomicrosurgery is the gold standard for treating VFPs, which are potentially associated with devastating vocal complications, including unacceptable voice impairment. Material and methods: A 29-year-old male had a complaint of hoarseness for 2 months. He initially visited a Western medical doctor (otolaryngologist), whose laryngoscopy examination revealed a polyp on the right vocal cord near the posterior pharyngeal wall. Surgical removal of the polyp or steroidal medication was recommended, but the patient was determined to avoid surgery and instead sought TCM treatment. Result: The authors showed the successful treatment of the patient with a VFP by Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) treatment. During CHM treatment, the patient experienced gradual improvements of vocal hoarseness and the ability to speak for ever-increasing periods of time. Conclusion: CHM monotherapy may be effective in treating symptoms of hoarseness, and result in polyp remission.