Vocal Cord Granuloma Gangnam Seoul | English-Speaking ENT

What is a vocal cord granuloma?

A vocal cord granuloma (contact granuloma or vocal process granuloma) is a benign growth of inflamed, healing tissue that forms over the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage, at the back of the vocal fold. It is not an infection and not a tumor. It is essentially the body's over-reaction to repeated irritation or injury in that spot.

Symptoms

A sensation of a lump or something stuck in the throat
Throat discomfort, sometimes felt on one side or radiating to the ear
Mild hoarseness or vocal fatigue; the voice may be surprisingly normal
Frequent throat clearing or a chronic cough
Occasionally, coughing up small amounts of blood-streaked mucus

Causes

Granulomas typically form where the back parts of the vocal folds bang together. Common causes include:

Laryngopharyngeal reflux, which irritates the back of the larynx
Habitual throat clearing and forceful coughing
Speaking with a low, pressed voice
Endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia (intubation granuloma)

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

A granuloma is diagnosed with laryngoscopy, which shows its location, size and surface. Dr. Kim also looks for redness and swelling suggesting reflux and watches how your vocal folds close while you speak. Lesions with an unusual appearance, or in patients with a heavy smoking history, may need biopsy to rule out other causes. If you have had surgery under general anesthesia recently, mention it, as this helps identify an intubation granuloma.

Treatment options

Medical treatment

Most granulomas are managed without surgery. Treatment usually combines:

Anti-reflux medication, often taken for several months
Lifestyle measures such as not eating late at night and raising the head of the bed about 15 cm
Breaking the habit of throat clearing, for example by sipping water or swallowing instead
Voice therapy to reduce pressed or low-pitched voicing

Granulomas can take months to shrink, and follow-up laryngoscopy is used to track progress.

Surgery

Surgical removal may be considered for granulomas that obstruct the airway, do not respond to prolonged medical therapy, or need tissue diagnosis. Because granulomas often recur after surgery if the underlying cause persists, medical treatment continues afterward.

When to see an ENT

Book a visit if a lump sensation, throat discomfort or hoarseness lasts more than a few weeks, especially after recent intubation. Seek prompt care for breathing difficulty, noisy breathing or coughing up more than a streak of blood.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim spent his academic career at Yonsei and Ajou university hospitals. Although rhinology is his subspecialty, his practice covers the full spectrum of ear, nose and throat care, including laryngeal disorders. He explains findings in English so you understand why long-term reflux control matters. See our English-speaking ENT guide for practical visit details.

Is a vocal cord granuloma cancer?

No. A granuloma is a benign inflammatory lesion. Because other lesions can look similar, an ENT examines it carefully with laryngoscopy and may recommend biopsy if its appearance or your risk factors raise concern.

How long does it take for a granuloma to go away?

Granulomas often shrink slowly over several months with reflux treatment and voice therapy. Follow-up examinations track progress. Patience is important, because stopping treatment too early can let the granuloma persist or regrow.

Can a granuloma form after surgery with a breathing tube?

Yes. An intubation granuloma can develop weeks after general anesthesia when the breathing tube irritated the back of the vocal folds. Many shrink with time and medical treatment. Mention any recent surgery to your ENT.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Vocal Cord Granuloma Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul